Non-destructive detection of seed weevil-infested mango fruits by X-ray imaging.
Thomas P., Kannan A., Degwekar V. H., Ramamurthy M. S.
Author Affiliation: Food Technology and Enzyme Engineering Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay 400 085, India.
Postharvest Biology and Technology 5 : 161-165
Abstract : Mango fruits infested with Sternochetus mangiferae do not show any visible external indications and cause considerable quality control problems and economic loss to the mango-processing industry as well as restriction in export of fresh fruits. A non-destructive X-ray inspection method was developed to detect infested fruits. X-ray radiographs of infested mangoes showed dark areas in the seed corresponding to disintegrated kernel tissue as a consequence of feeding by developing larvae. Non-infested mangoes showed a uniformly light-grey area representing healthy kernel. A close agreement between fruits showing infestation based on their X-ray images and physical examination of cut fruits was observed, indicating the reliability of the technique.