Effect of Picking Frequency on Yields and Quality of Intensively Managed Coffee

Abstract

The effects of number of pickings on yields and quality of intensively managed Bourbon coffee were determined near Jayuya, Puerto Rico, over a 2-year period. Similar yields of market coffee and estimated income were obtained when the coffee was harvested in one operation (stripping) in either mid- October or November. Thus, timing of this operation within reasonable limits does not appear to be particularly critical. The proportion of green berries and of black beans decreased with number of pickings and with delay in stripping. A higher estimated income was obtained when the coffee was harvested in several pickings. Although multiple pickings are more profitable at present, as labor becomes scarcer it may become desirable to pick coffee in two or even in one well-timed operation rather than in three or four as at present.