X-ray imaging for detecting spongy tissue, an internal disorder in fruits of 'Alphonso' mango (Mangifera indica).
Thomas P., Saxena S. C., Chandra R., Rao R., Bhatia C. R.
Author Affiliation: Food Technology & Enzyme Engineering Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay 400?085, India.
Journal of Horticultural Science 68 : 803-806
Abstract : An internal physiological ripening disorder, 'spongy tissue', affects about 30% of Alphonso mangoes, the most popular Indian cultivar. Fruits show no external symptoms at harvest or on ripening but cutting reveals internal damage to the mesocarp which adversely affects fruit quality. Both fully grown green, unripe mangoes and ripe fruits exhibit the disorder. A non-destructive X-ray inspection method has been developed to detect affected mangoes. X-ray photographs and X-ray images of fruits having spongy tissue show dark grey patches corresponding to internal cavities in contrast to light grey areas of healthy flesh. The method could be used for quality control for on-line detection and separation of mangoes having spongy tissue prior to packaging.