In the Cooldata Work Package of The Next Fruit 4.0 project, we are working on identifying the added value of non-destructive measurements. This involves photography, Near InfraRed (NIR) and Microwave technology.
These measurements can be used to get a picture of the characteristics of the fruit in the storage crate immediately after harvest. In this case, it concerns the quality of Conference pears. In this work package, we are working closely with Bodata (photography), Vertigo (Fresco Microwave technology) and previously with Kubota (NIR technology). Agromanager is also involved in this work project for data recording.
Suitable dataset
In June 2023, pears from batches collected earlier (in January 2023) were assessed. Even though the number of batches examined was limited, a large difference in quality was observed. This yielded a suitable dataset to be used for the Fresco validation and image recognition (color, bronze, anomalies).
Activities 2023 harvest
In preparation for the analysis of Conference pears during the 2023 harvest, discussions were held with Agromanager to see what data could be conveniently recorded in a dashboard at storage crate level, and how.
During the past harvest period, photos of 20 storage crates per batch were taken from a total of 23 batches of Conference pears at 19 locations.
Vertigo was also present at a number of locations to validate the Fresco in real-life situations so as to look at the effects of variation in light, temperature, and moisture.
The preliminary results are shown in Figure 1. Fruit farms in the main Conference growing regions (Limburg, Zeeland, the Betuwe, Utrecht, Flevoland, Noord-Holland, and the Belgian fruit region) were visited. In some cases, the storage crates were labeled so that once they leave storage, they can be reanalyzed. Fruits were collected from each batch and kept in parallel storage at WUR Randwijk. Photographic material and data on hardness and sugar content will be added to the Agromanager database to the extent possible.
The results of the storage study will be shared in 2024. An explanation of the photographic component can be found under the heading Crop & Quality Management Work Package.
By Peter Balk (WUR)
