A low cost modification to a Flail Vac Harvester for collecting lightweight, wind dispersed seed
Indeterminate wildflowers with pappus bearing seed are difficult to effectively harvest at yields approaching maximum potential using traditional equipment. We modified a Flail Vac Seed Stripper by mounting heavy loops of chain to the front of the Flail Vac to provide agitation of the floral canopy to disarticulate seed from the flowers of hoary tansyaster (Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) A. Gray [Asteraceae] The modification allowed for multiple, non damaging harvests that collected only shatter ready, fully ripe seed. Labor and time associated with post harvest drying and seed cleaning were reduced because of the decrease in vegetative matter accumulated.