Determination of mango physiological indices by mechanical wave analysis.
Mizrach A., Flitsanov U., Schmilovitch Z., Fuchs Y.
Author Affiliation: Institute of Agricultural Engineering, A.R.O., Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel.
Postharvest Biology and Technology 16 : 179-186
Abstract : The objectives of this study were to evaluate ultrasonic wave analysis and the physiological properties of cv. Tommy Atkins mango fruits, and to establish relationships between the non-destructive ultrasonic measurements and the major physiological quality indices of mango fruits. The passage of ultrasonic waves through the flesh of whole mango fruits was successfully measured by means of ultrasonic probes in contact with the fruit peel. Fast Fourier transforms (FFT) of the ultrasonic wave created frequency domain spectra. A partial least squares (PLS) regression model related the FFT spectra with storage time, firmness, sugar content and acidity. The coefficient of determination (rē = 0.64-0.87) between the parameters predicted by ultrasonic spectral models and the measured values were relatively high for storage time and fairly low for firmness. The standard error of calibration (SEC) represents the sensitivity of prediction and was found to be between 12 and 18% of the total range. It was shown that by using the non-destructive ultrasonic measurement system in the appropriate frequency domain, it is possible to assess components of mango fruit maturity and to estimate shelf life.