Background: The time required to harvest plant crops is important to the plant properties. It is affected by design of the harvest equipment and
the desire for high-quality products with low energy usage.
Materials and Methods: Strength characteristics of
Origanum onites
L., an important medicinal aromatic plant, harvested on 2, 9, 16 and 23
July, 2012–2014 (H1, H2, H3 and H4, respectively) were measured at the bottom and top sections of the stalk. Measurements included
maximum force, bio-yield force, shearing force, bending stress, shearing stress, shearing energy, and shearing deformation.
Results: The highest maximum force (35.17 N) was at H4 on the bottom section, and the lowest was at H1 on the top. Maximum values for bioyield
force, shearing force, and bending stress were at H4 on the bottom section, and corresponding minimum values were at H1 on the top
section. Shearing stress decreased at successive harvest dates for both stalk sections. The minimum shearing energy was at H4, (0.13 J and 0.06 J
for bottom and top, respectively). Strength measurements for bottom sections of the stalk were greater than those for top sections.
Conclusion: When reduced harvesting force is needed because of harvester design or harvest procedures, harvesting near the top of the stalk is
recommended.
