An ultrasonic nondestructive method for measuring maturity of mango fruit.
Mizrach A., Flitsanov U., Fuchs Y.
Author Affiliation: Institute of Agricultural Engineering, ARO, The Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan 50-250, Israel.
Transactions of the ASAE 40 : 1107-1111
Abstract : A nondestructive method was used for the measurement of ultrasonic wave attenuation in mango fruit flesh by means of ultrasonic probes in contact with the fruit peel. Ten mangoes were taken successively from a batch stored at room temperature. The fruits were subjected to ultrasonic nondestructive tests as well as to destructive penetration measurements of firmness, and physiological tests for sugar content and acidity of the mango tissue. The data set was statistically analysed to find relations between the major physiological indices and the ultrasonic parameters. The results of the ultrasonic attenuation measurements were compared with those of the destructive penetration tests and physiological tests, in the course of storage. Calibration equations were developed to show the link between the ultrasonic attenuation and the values of the firmness and physiological indices. With these equations, non-destructive measurements of ultrasonic attenuation enable determination of the sugar content and acidity and direct monitoring of the softening process in a batch of mango fruits in a packing house.