Application of mechanical device and airflow systems in the harvest and separation of saffron flowers (Crocus sativus L.)

Mechanical devices for supporting human labor in harvesting flowers and separating stigmas are presented and described. The harvesting device described has a simple design and is capable of performing the cutting procedure with only one actuated degree of freedom. Results from the field indicate the number of successes in terms of picked flowers with respect to the number of semi-oscillations required. The data revealed a 35% success rate in tests with two cam semi-oscillations, 31% with three cam semi-oscillations, 16% with one cam semi-oscillation, and 18% with more than three cam semi-oscillations. The separation of the stigmas was tested in three airflow systems. Two of the three separation systems produced damage to filaments of the stigmas on the order of 65% with weight equal to 0.05 g. © 2013 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers ISSN 2151-0032.