Estimating Methods

The calculator is designed to accept input from any one of 4 estimating methods:

1. Total weight for the entire block. This is the least time consuming and requires a keen eye and knowledge of the grove, to be able to estimate accurately.
2. Total weight per acre/hectare. This input will provide the information to calculate the production for the entire block. The estimator should have a unique capability observe and come up with an accurate estimate.
3. Average weight per tree. Pickers usually are good at estimating how many picking-bags-full are on an average tree. The calculator will multiply this average by the total trees in the block.
4. Fruit count by the standard sizes. The standard sizing are relevant to the type of container the fruit is shipped in 25 lb / 11.34 Kg lug used in the US, 4, 5.5 and 6 Kg tray used in Europe and Asia, respectively. Actual fruit counting is required except for the unexportable sizes and grades in the 4, 5.5 and 6 Kg trays. Here total weight (not fruit numbers) in kilograms of unexportable fruit needs to be inputted to be able to calculate total production of the block. Remember that this is per tree input and could be rather tedious. The level of detail depends on the estimator need for accuracy. Each block estimate is the average of 1 to 25 individual tree samples. The computer calculates the total production for the block by averaging the individual tree samples. It is important to note that when more trees are sampled the accuracy increases.