Rinieri‘s Ghibli leaf remover has been developed for professional fruit growing, combining high operating efficiency with the gentle action needed to preserve canopy integrity
In addition to viticulture, leaf removal—often referred to as “green pruning”—is also recommended for orchards, as it offers various advantages regarding yield (in terms of weight), crop health, and quality. This is because selectively removing leaves from around the fruit reduces the humidity that fosters fungal diseases.
Furthermore, a less dense canopy enhances the effectiveness of crop protection treatments, ensuring they are distributed optimally throughout the entire foliage.
Additional benefits become apparent during fruit ripening, as improved light exposure enhances both color and fruit size. Finally, manual harvesting is made easier, thereby minimizing labor costs. Beyond these seasonal production advantages, leaf removal also helps achieve a better long-term balance between vegetative growth and fruit production by regulating the plant’s vigor—since excessive vigor can come at the expense of fruiting.
The only precaution to take is to avoid overly aggressive leaf removal during periods of intense sunlight, as excessive foliage removal can lead to fruit sunburn. In such cases, the process must be carefully balanced, removing only those leaves whose stalks are already close to natural detachment; the goal is to strike an optimal compromise between the intensity and the gentleness of the operation.
Designed to meet these specific needs, “Ghibli”—Rinieri’s new pneumatic leaf remover—offers a versatile, flexible, and agile solution for professional fruit growing. Front-mounted, the machine operates using four distinct pneumatic rotors attached to a vertical frame. Once activated, these four circular units spin at high peripheral speeds, generating 300–600 pulses per minute powered by robust airflows. This air is supplied by an efficient compressor capable of generating pressures ranging from 0.5 to 0.9 bar, ensuring an operation that is both effective and gentle.
Operation takes place at speeds ranging from 2.5 to 6 km/h, utilizing 60–80 hp tractors—as opposed to the 100 hp typically required for similar market alternatives. Regarding working height, the “Ghibli” models cover a vertical span of up to 190 cm, using a precise air-pulse system to selectively remove leaves.
This allows for less invasive operation compared to traditional mechanical defoliators, thereby reducing the risk of damage to fruit and branches—damage that can otherwise create entry points for pathogenic fungi. Consequently, the solution offered by Rinieri is ideal for apple, pear, and peach orchards, delivering maximum benefits in intensive and super-intensive orchard systems.
Title: Ghibli leaf remover by Rinieri: Gentle Where It Matters
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