Harvesting and cleaning Calendula officinalis, a new arable oilseed crop for industrial application

Experiments performed in 1994 on mechanically harvesting and cleaning of Calendula officinalis, a new arable oilseed crop for industrial application, are described. Two suitable methods for harvesting Calendula were compared: combining after chemical desiccation and combining after windrowing. The header of the windrower was modified to enable dehiscent seeds to be collected. Seeds were cleaned with an air-screen cleaner. Analysis of data on the gross yield, moisture content of seeds and foliage, seed losses and percentage impurities showed that these techniques were successful. Mechanical seed losses were negligible. The total net yields were between 70% and 80% of the gross yields for combining after desiccation and 60% and 80% for combining after windrowing. No seed damage was observed. Timely harvest, that is when 50-70% of the seeds are mature, seemed to be very important to avoid weather damage and excessive seed shedding.