Physico-Mechanical Characterization of Miracle Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.): Effects of Blade Type and Moisture Level on Harvestability

Authors : Mehmet Emin Gökduman, Deniz Yılmaz
Pages : 609-618
View : 83 | Download : 166
Publication Date : 2025-12-27
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :This study aimed to characterize the physico-mechanical properties of the Miracle cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to evaluate its suitability for mechanized harvesting under varying moisture conditions and blade configurations. Dried cowpea plants were tested at two distinct moisture levels using three blade types (smooth, fine-toothed and coarse-toothed) to determine parameters such as the cutting force, energy and deformation required to cut the stems. In addition to evaluating the performance of the stem cut, the force required for pod detachment was measured in order to assess the effort required for separation from the plant. Pod rupture resistance was analyzed under horizontal and vertical compression to simulate different loading directions. The damage resistance of cowpea seeds was assessed under transverse and longitudinal compression to provide critical insights into their mechanical vulnerability during harvesting operations. Furthermore, key morphological and yield-related parameters were recorded, including the pod-to-stem ratio, pod and seed weights, total plant height, and the height of the first pod from the ground. Colorimetric measurements (L*, a*, b*) of dried pods were also taken under different moisture conditions to evaluate changes in visual quality. The results showed that the type of blade and the level of moisture significantly affected the plant\\\'s mechanical response. Under low moisture conditions (8.34% w.b., wet basis) the cutting force was as high as 77.74 N with fine-toothed blades. Under high moisture conditions (19.60% w.b.), however, the cutting force was as low as 37.49 N with smooth blades. Pod detachment force decreased from 19.20 N for dry samples to 4.02 N under high-moisture conditions. Seed rupture force was highest under vertical compression (72.34 N) than under horizontal loading (58.22 N). These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing harvesting techniques and guiding the development of equipment tailored to legume crops such as cowpeas
Keywords : Miracle börülcesi, Fiziko-mekanik özellikler, Mekanik hasat, Bakla koparma, Kesme kuvveti, Türkiye

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