A Study of Olive Harvesting Methods in Iran from an Economic Perspective

The main problem of olive production in Iran is about harvesting so that the cost of harvesting olives is estimated up to 30 percent of its total revenue. To determine the most appropriate method for olive harvesting, a research was carried out in 2010 in Tarom Olive Research Station of Zanjan province. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used with three replications and two factors of olive cultivar (A1: Zard, A2: Koroneiki). Three methods of harvesting were used; B1: pneumatic combs machine, B2: branch shaker (hand-held machine), and B3: hand picking. In all three methods of harvesting, Ethephon was used as an abscission agent at concentrations of C1: 0, C2: 2000 and C3: 4000 ppm. In different olive harvesting system, the Zard cultivar with a branch shaker and abscission agent concentration of 4000 ppm had the maximum cost and benefit over the other systems. Amount of benefit in this system was 6.42 times as much as that of Koroneiki cultivar with a branch shaker and without abscission agent. Also, benefit to cost ratio was maximum in the Zard cultivar with a branch shaker and without abscission agent. Results of hierarchical analysis in this study showed that the use of branch shaker has not been promoted among olive farmers.