Innovative Almond Farming: Phytosanitary Challenges and New Frontiers in Mechanized Harvesting

During a technical visit to Montalto di Castro, in the province of Viterbo, we reviewed almond orchard management in a season that proved far from simple and closely examined a harvesting system that represents a genuine operational advance: the self-propelled harvester with a double inclined platform.

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The observation took place in a sixth-year orchard of the Lauranne variety, owned by Fabio Mariotti. This was a real, productive context, allowing for analysis grounded not in abstract theory but in concrete problems and solutions that truly work in the field.

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The 2025 season delivered a clear lesson. Spring, marked by an especially rainy April, resulted in persistent excess humidity within the tree canopies. Under these conditions, bacterial infections caused by Xanthomonas species emerged, with evident episodes of leaf drop, particularly in the lower part of the tree, where air circulation is naturally more limited.

Field experience confirmed that the use of single microorganisms, such as Bacillus subtilis, even when preceded by hydrogen peroxide-based sanitizers, was not sufficient. The future direction is clear and requires a decisive shift. The most effective strategy involves the use of microbial consortia, alternating products and modes of action to achieve broader and more stable pathogen control. Prevention, once again, is built first on microclimate management rather than on products alone.

On the harvesting side, comparison with traditional systems is inevitable. Until last year, the standard procedure involved trunk shaking, fruit falling to the ground, and subsequent collection with a sweeper. This is a proven system, but it requires multiple steps, longer working times, and direct contact between the fruit and the soil.

The self-propelled harvester with a double inclined platform represents a highly interesting technical compromise. Two machines move in parallel and close around the tree. On one side there is the shaking clamp with an inclined platform, and on the other a receiving platform with a conveyor belt. The almonds are intercepted as they fall, undergo an initial cleaning from leaves and debris, and are conveyed directly into bins without ever touching the ground.

This is not a continuous harvest system like those used in grape harvesting or super intensive olive growing, as the machine must stop to shake the trunk. Nevertheless, the system is fast, effective, and above all economically sustainable, avoiding the high costs and technical limitations of over the row machines.

However, this technology requires precise agronomic choices already at the orchard design stage. To allow the passage of the two machines, row spacing must be at least 6.5 meters. The most suitable layouts are 6.5 by 3.5 meters or 6.5 by 3.0 meters, with densities ranging from 450 to 480 trees per hectare. In denser orchards, for example 5.5 by 2.5 meters, this system is not compatible, and ground harvesting followed by sweeping is preferable. In this case, mechanization determines the planting layout, not the other way around.

From an economic perspective, these machines require a significant investment, exceeding one hundred thousand euros. Amortization is sustainable on areas larger than 20 hectares or through access to support measures and aid programs. Operationally, however, performance is notable, easily exceeding one and a half hectares per day. A winning strategy to optimize machine use is varietal diversification, which allows harvest periods to be staggered and avoids bottlenecks in field operations.

A final aspect, often underestimated, concerns row orientation. Too often, focus is placed exclusively on the north south axis to maximize light interception. In reality, in modern wall trained orchards, priority should be given to prevailing winds. Encouraging natural ventilation within the canopy significantly reduces moisture stagnation, which remains the main predisposing factor for the bacterial diseases observed this year. Where wind is excessive, windbreaks can be used, but circulating air remains the most effective preventive tool available to the agronomist.

Modern almond farming does not rely on standard solutions. It is built on careful planning, coherence between training system and mechanization, microclimate management, and intelligent varietal choices. Those who start from these principles develop productive systems that are solid and sustainable over time.

Keywords:
#mandorlicoltura #mandorleto #raccoltameccanizzata #Lauranne #Xanthomonas #batteriosi #meccanizzazioneagricola #sestodiimpianto #difesafitosanitaria #agricolturamoderna #AgronomoVitoVitelli

Editorial note:
Original content by Agronomist Vito Vitelli, developed and optimized with the support of artificial intelligence tools for educational, informational, and technical enhancement purposes.

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