Annual/Termination Reports:

[10/19/2005] [08/28/2006]

Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

NE-1008: Accomplishments for period: February 2004  June 2005<br /> 1. Define and measure the physical, mechanical, optical, and other properties of fruits and vegetables and their functional relationships to quality, and establish a database of these properties. (CA, HI, NY-C, GA, ARS-MI, ME, MI, NC, NY-G, WA) <br /> USDA-MI. A hyperspectral imaging system was assembled and tested for measuring the optical properties (absorption and scattering coefficients) of turbid food materials including fruits and vegetables. Simulation turbid samples with various known optical properties similar to those of apples were created and used for evaluating the hyperspectral imaging system. Scattering and absorption coefficients were determined by fitting a diffusion theory model to the spectral scattering profiles acquired from the simulation turbid samples at wavelengths between 530 nm and 730 nm. The hyperspectral imaging system provided good measures of the scattering coefficient for all turbid samples. However, large errors were found in determining the absorption coefficient for selected turbid samples, indicating the need for further improvements in data analysis. The hyperspectral imaging technique is potentially useful for rapid, noninvasive determination of the optical properties of horticultural products and other turbid food and agricultural products. Next year. Research will be focused on three areas: 1) improving the data analysis method so that the hyperspectral imaging system can meet the requirement of measuring both scattering and absorption coefficients of turbid food samples simultaneously; 2) collecting optical properties data for selected horticultural and food products; and 3) developing simulation models to investigate and quantify light scattering and absorption patterns in intact apple fruit.<br /> <br /> GA. A wagon with springs and shock absorbers was developed for transporting peaches from orchard to packinghouse. Tests at speeds of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 MPH showed the shock (in vertical acceleration) from a bump was reduced by 50 to 79 percent compared with no cushioning. Tests in transporting peaches from orchard to packinghouse reduced damage only slightly because the fruit is harvested at a very firm maturity to reduce damage during handling.<br /> <br /> HI. Over 1000 spectra for coffee grown in Hawaii and other coffee coffee producing areas have been assembled and cataloged for use. Next year. Will collect taste panel, chemical data, and NIR spectra of coffee grown under three different levels of shade. Will attempt to correlate these data in predictive models.<br /> <br /> NC. The objective of this project was to develop and investigate whether a machine vision system can quantitatively describe the physical characteristics of a sweetpotato and then produce a unique number that is a more accurate descriptor of the root.<br /> <br /> NY-Geneva. We determined the effect of acid phosphatase activity on the acidity and Brix/acid ratio in apples. We found high-acid cultivars (Zappata, Cap of Liberty and Edward VII) exhibited low Brix/acid ratios while low-acid cultivars (Empire and Idared) had high Brix/acid ratios. The coefficient of correlation for acid phosphatase and Brix/acid acid ratio in apples was 0.96. An inverse relationship appeared to exist between the activity of acid phosphatase and the acidity of apples. We examined the growth and survival of beneficial lactic acid bacteria in beet juice. The four lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. casei, L. delbrueckii, and L. plantarum ) rapidly utilized beet juice for cell synthesis and acid production. The cultures survived the low pH and high acidity conditions in fermented beet juice even after 4 week of cold storage. Next year. We will study the effect of acid phosphatase activity on the fruit quality. We will determine the relationship between the activity of acid phosphatase and the Brix/acid ratio in cherries. We will continue our work to improve the quality and safety of fermented fruit and vegetable products.<br /> <br /> UC-Davis. The flesh color and flesh firmness of over 13,000 clingstone peaches were measured instrumentally in 2004 and compared to the current official manual inspection methods of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The instruments evaluated were a new impact-type non-destructive firmness instrument, a universal testing instrument equipped with a Magnus-Taylor style penetrometer and a LED-based colorimeter. This study was conducted to assist the California clingstone peach industry evaluate recently developed sensor technologies for color and firmness and to assess the feasibility of replacing the current subjective methods with objective instrumental methods for determination of fruit maturity and softness. Many in the industry were unaware of the development of light emitting diode (LED) based color meters. These portable devices are much more stable than previous designs, remaining calibrated for many weeks. Also most of the industry, outside of a few peach processors, were unaware of the recent developments in non-destructive impact-type firmness sensing. This study made significant progress in introducing these technologies to the California clingstone industry and in assisting them in evaluating their potential for use in fruit inspection. Next year. Continue to investigate the application of state-of-the-art color and firmness sensing technologies in clingstone peach inspection.<br /> <br /> WA. In 2005, WA station developed a method to measure the tensile mechanical properties in fruits and vegetables from compressive material properties and bending deflection data. Next year. Measure the tensile mechanical properties of apples and pears grown in the Pacific Nortwest and attempt to correlate these values with firmness values obtained from a trained sensory panel.<br /> <br /> 2. Develop, evaluate and apply rapid non-destructive sensor technology for quantitative measurement of fruit and vegetable quality. (CA, MI, ARS-MI, PA, IN, NY-C, GA, NC, MD, WA, HI, ME) <br /> <br /> USDA-MI. Light scattering is influenced by the structural characteristics of fruit and can be used for measuring fruit firmness. A novel multispectral scattering technique was proposed and developed for measuring apple fruit firmness. In the past year, our research has been focused on improving the technique so that it can provide consistent, accurate measurement of fruit firmness. A liquid crystal tunable filter (LCTF) based multispectral imaging system was used to determine optimal wavelengths for predicting fruit firmness at wavelengths between 650 nm and 1000 nm. Spectral scattering was described by an improved mathematical model with four parameters. Model parameters were found to correlate well with fruit firmness. Improved data analysis methods were proposed for removing noise from the scattering images and for incorporating the effect of fruit size into the scattering profiles. These improvements led to significantly better predictions of apple fruit firmness (r=0.90 for both Red Delicious and Golden Delicious). <br /> A portable firmness tester, which detects force at the bioyield point of fruit as a measure of fruit firmness, was assembled and tested on apples. The tester can be operated as a standalone device or via computer with the automatic data recording and analysis functions. The tester does not degrade apple fruit after measurement and correlates well with the standard destructive Magness-Taylor firmness tester (r=0.87).<br /> Recent research showed that reflectance and fluorescence are useful for assessing postharvest quality of apples. A hyperspectral imaging system was set up for acquiring both hyperspectral reflectance and laser-induced fluorescence scattering images from apples. Algorithms were developed for extracting scattering features over the visible and short-wave near-infrared region and related to fruit quality parameters (skin and flesh color, fruit firmness, soluble solids content, and titrational acid). Reflectance generally performed better than fluorescence for predicting multiple quality parameters. Reflectance also gave excellent measures of the skin and flesh color of apples. The integration of reflectance and fluorescence improved predictions of fruit firmness, soluble solids, and titrational acid. Next year. Our research will be focused on the following three areas: 1) continuing research on multispectral scattering for assessing fruit firmness and soluble solids. We will improve light source and develop a better calibration method for measuring fruit firmness; 2) improving the hyperspectral reflectance and fluorescence imaging system for faster, more consistent measurement of fluorescence and developing an improved method of integrating reflectance and fluorescence for measuring the quality attributes of apples; and 3) developing imaging and spectroscopic techniques for detecting defects of pickling cucumbers resulting from mechanical stress, temperature injury, physiological disorder or diseases and for nondestructive measure of internal quality (firmness, dry matter, and skin and flesh color) of pickling cucumbers.<br /> <br /> GA. X-ray images were compared with visual examinations of 500 to identity diseased sweet onions during packing. The x-ray machine removed over 90 percent of the diseased onions with a false positive rate of 8%.<br /> <br /> HI. Determined that NIRS using conventional pretreatment of absorbance spectra and PLS would not yield calibration equations for DDT levels that could be validated in the 0 to 5 ppm range. The calibration set consisted of 8 sources of green bean each fortified at 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5 ppm and subsampled 5 times for a total of 280 spectra. PLS (partial least squares) yielded equations of less than 10 factors and r^2 values > 0.7. However, predictions of DDT in samples outside of the calibration set were not within 5 ppm of GC (gas chromatograph) analysis. Next year. Will explore methods to obtain calibration model for DDT in green bean coffee. Will use kit to determine the physical properties of coffee grown in Kona. Will relate this data to design parameters for milling and storing high quality coffee.<br /> <br /> IN. During the previous reporting cycle, apples were tested using a conveyor system designed for use with a low-field (5.35 MHz) proton magnetic resonance (MR) sensor. A set of 16Rome (RO) and 25 Red Delicious (RD) apples were tested. The results, which were recently published, are as follows. There were relatively few classification errors (12.5% for RO, 0% for RD) when sorting conveyor speed was 50 mm/s. As conveyor speed increased, sorting accuracy decreased. At the fastest conveyor speed tested, 250 mm/s, the classification errors were 31.25% for RO apples and 28% for RD apples. Design features were identified that, if implemented, should increase the accuracy of sorting at the higher conveyor speeds. Next year. Results of the tests conducted on tomatoes will be summarized and submitted for publication. Preliminary tests will be conducted to evaluate the potential for using magnetic resonance for detecting internal damage or quality attributes of other types of fruit and vegetables.<br /> <br /> ME. Prediction of blueberry infestation by using a PLS model. Prediction ratio using two different NIR systems (UM-650-1050 nm, KSU-650-1580 nm) ranges between 70-80 percent. Prediction ratio includes field to field and season to season variations in the wild blueberry crop, covering three seasons (2002-2004). We have determined that the detection limit of the NIRS method based on maggot size (length) is 2 mm ~ equal to USDA standard test limit (visual, boil test). Spectral subtractions of averaged spectra from infested and non-infested blueberries show differences in the 1300-1700 nm range. In addition, comparison of subtractions of stem and calyx spectra from the same berry showed similar features for infested and non-infested berries. Next year. A. Determine which chemical compounds in the blueberry and maggot contribute to NIR signal and classification: a.1. FT-IR scan of infested and non-infested berries  preliminary determination of chemical composition, a.2. LC/MS analysis to identify functional groups and concentration ranges. B. Attempt to reduce water signal in the spectra to improve classification: b.1. Use FT-IR to calculate scaling factor for water spectrum subtraction at 2000  2500 nm, b.2. Use humidity chamber to get comparable water content in berries before scanning during 2005 field season, b.3. Remove water by freeze-drying berries and maggots and test classification. C. Determine the probability to detect signal coming directly from the maggot: c.1. Determine the probability to find the maggot close to the berry stem end using confocal microscopy and microtoming, c.2. Calculate maggot to berry volume ratio.<br /> <br /> MI. The results of previous year studies measuring reflectance and fluorescence of cherries with and without plum curculio larval infestation were used to develop a basic prototype dedicated sensor. The prototype was constructed of diodes with light outputs centered at a red and the other at a NIR wavelength. During the 2004 season the prototype sensor was evaluated in parallel with laboratory instrumentation to compare the reflectance response and classification of whole cherries and internal tissue from infested and non-infested cherries. The prototype electro-optic sensor performance as part of a tissue classification process was equal to classifications obtained through analyzing the data collected with laboratory instrumentation. Measurements with laboratory instruments were also collected in modes of transmission and interactance and evaluated against the reflectance data and compared to similar experimentation from the previous year. Measurements were collected on the common Montmorency cultivar and also on a promising newly introduced cultivar, Balaton, which is much darker in flesh color. Cherry classification accuracy ranged between 50 and 89% depending on mode of measurement and whether whole intact cherries or portions of tissue were measured. However, due to an imbalance between the number of infested and noninfested samples, the results carried large standard deviations. <br /> A study was completed and a thesis published on measuring apple tissues of varying quality under multispectral reflectance and fluorescence imaging modes. These measurements of properties were combined with neural network analysis to identify and classify five different apple disorders on three cultivars of apples. A combined eighteen fluorescence and reflectance images over a range of wavelengths were initially acquired on a large set of apples. Classification utilizing the entire (18) image data set was compared against classification using subsets of the initial set. Using optimal wavelengths, most defects could be classified with 95% or greater accuracy using three or less of the initial image set. Optimal wavebands, however, varied depending on defect and apple cultivar. Next year. The project relating to non-destructive evaluation of internal cherry quality (primarily past or present insect presence) will continue by attempting to improve on the number and distribution of various levels of cherry quality samples. Replication and verification of previous years experiments will be conducted. An arrangement has been made to evaluate samples of good versus insect damaged cherries utilizing the magnetic resonance system instrumentation at the cooperating IN NE-1008 station to test the potential of MR in differentiating the cherry tissue quality. <br /> <br /> NY. Cornell University, Zedec Technologies and the USDA/ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station cooperative efforts led to the development of a prototype inspection system for processing apples. High speed handling/orienting systems were developed. Surface defects were quantified in terms of apple volume to allow USDA grades for processing apples to be determined. This system will be available at USDA/ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station for inspection and testing. A summary of the results of this effort has been published. Minimal effort has been continued with Zedec Technologies on development of high speed handling/orienting system for Xray inspection of apples. A higher intensity X-ray source is needed for this work. <br /> <br /> PA. Research continued to combine the surface-acoustic wave-based "zNose" technology with the Cyranose 320 through sensor fusion to detect damage in apples. The response of the e-nose 32 sensors are being combined with the compound-specific peaks from the zNose through artificial neural networks or multivariate analysis techniques to determine presence of compounds associated with damaged apples. Tests using the individual instruments showed that both the e-nose and the Znose could distinguish healthy from damaged apples (those with purposely inflicted cuts) after about 5-7 days. The successful classification rates of good vs. bad apples ranged between 85 and 100%. The goal is to use sensor fusion to allow for earlier and more accurate detection of damage. <br /> Direct differentiation and quantification of microorganisms in apple juice was accomplished by FTIR spectroscopy. FTIR absorbance spectra of ten microorganisms in an apple juice matrix were used with a Probabilistic Neural Networks (PNNs) based algorithm for differentiation and quantification. The absorbance spectra in the fingerprint region 600-1750 and 2800-3200 and principal components of the spectra in the 600-4000 cm-1 region were used separately in the analysis. Although no significant difference in the results were observed the time taken for data processing and training of the PCA based PNNs (PCA-PNNs) was reduced by about 30-45 minutes compared with the data from the fingerprint area, which took about 70-90 minutes. The prediction accuracy using the two methods was 93% for differentiation and 90% for quantification. <br /> <br /> UC-Davis. A rapid, quantitative biosensor technique for fungal contamination in raw and processed tomato juice was refined in 2004 and adapted for outdoor use at processing tomato inspection stations. The main accomplishment was to adapt the UC Davis mold assay for use by seasonal inspectors in an uncontrolled environment of a tomato inspection station. Existing blood cell washing technology was adapted for use with the mold biosensor method, allowing automation of the washing step of the assay.<br /> 3. Develop, evaluate, and apply rapid sensing technologies to assure food safety including bio-security, purity, and integrity of produce. (CA, PA, MI, NY-C, GA, WA)<br /> GA. Sweet onions were sampled weekly at three retailers. Size, mass, decay, defects and other quality attributes were determined according to the USDA grade standards. The mass of bagged onions typically exceeded labeled amounts. Differences were noted in onion quality available to customers. The amount of decay and sunscald differed by grower/shipper and during the season. The quality of the loose onions was more variable than for bagged onions.<br /> HI. Parallel rollers were shown to effectively separate coffee pulp from coffee beans in hulls. A series of experiments determined the optimal set of conditions for the separation. At these conditions 100% of pulp is expelled while all beans are retained without any damage to the hull of the beans. An innovative processing system is in development around this technology. Next year. Will build and test a prototype separator based on the roller technology.<br /> <br /> Industry (SI Seiko Co., Ltd.) Fruit grading system and grading robot with database for traceability. Next year. 1. Development of a new type grading machine and 2. Construction of fruit information center to accumulate data from the grading system and soil analysis system for farming guidance to producers and for traceability information to consumers and distributors.<br /> <br /> MI. We developed several biosensors designs during the reporting period: two antibody-based and two DNA-based biosensors. These biosensors were tested in pure culture of E. coli O157:H7, E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Bacillus spp. The antibody-based biosensors were also tested on selected fruits and vegetable samples. Next year. Further develop and validate the biosensors in fresh produce and other food products.<br /> NY. A new sensing technology that makes use of DNA is under development (Nature biotechnology, published on-line 12 June 2005). DNA can be synthesized to form a Y. <br /> PA. Research continued on the application of surface plasmon resonance biosensors to detect pathogenic microorganisms, including Escherichia coli 1O57:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus. We are currently studying the application of array-based biosensors using SPR imaging to detect antibody/antigen interactions with the goal of simultaneous detection of multiple pathogenic bacteria. SPR Imaging is an extension of the traditional SPR devices that are well known for their high sensitivity, real-time monitoring, and label-free detection of probe-target interactions. By replacing the light source and optical sensor that would be found in a traditional SPR unit with a collimated white light and an imaging CCD, the SPR phenomena of the entire surface of the sensor can be monitored. SPR imaging offers improvements over traditional SPR because it allows for multiple probe/target interactions to be monitored simultaneously.<br /> <br /> UC-Davis. SYBR Green Assay. A three-step SYBR Green real-time PCR assay using the Sen primer set (Csordas, Barak, and Delwiche, 2004) and an annealing temperature of 57°C was used to detect Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) extracted DNA. A flow-through PCR system was tested with S. enterica Newport extracted DNA at concentrations of 100, 10, and 1 ng per 50 µl. Additionally a concentration of 1000 ng of extracted S. enterica Newport DNA per 40 µl was tested. A total PCR mix volume of 55 µl was used for the 100, 10, and 1 ng samples and a 40 µl reaction volume was used for the 1000 ng sample. New silicone and glass reaction chamber tubes were used for each PCR. Next year. We are planning on working with the cell washing equipment manufacturer to develop an adaptable version of their cell washer that will allow control of both the binding step and the washing step of the bioassay for mold. <br /> <br /> WA. We have studied the influence of RF based pest control treatments on quality of oranges and apples. Next year. Research to reduce heating time and minimize off-flavor development.<br />

Publications

Impact Statements

Back to top

Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes of NE-1008 2005 Annual Meeting

Place: Hilton Garden Inns, Kennewick, Washington
Dates: July 6-7, 2006
Chair: Renfu Lu
Secretary: Loren Gautz
Hosts: Jumin Tang and Marvin Pitts

Thursday, July 6, 2006 Field Tour:

Left Kennewick, WA at 8:00 AM
1. Visited ConAgra's Lamb-Weston Research Center, Richland, WA. Jeff Schnieder explained connection between postharvest practices and quality of prepared potato products. Toured nearby processing plant and observed potatoes being taken from storage, sorted, and processed into frozen cross cut product.
2. Visited Snipes Mountain Micro-Brewery in Sunnyside, WA, where we heard a presentation on the use of quality hops for flavoring beverages during lunch.
3. Toured a hop processing facility (supercritical extraction) and a local hop farm (innovative harvesting), guided by Ann E. George of Washington Hops Commission
4. Toured Snokist cherry and apple packing facilities in Grandview, WA with Ms. Jovita Bixler, Quality Assurance Manager, explaining methods of quality control.
5. Toured WSU Research Vineyard, Prosser, WA with Julie Tarara describing experiments for crop load management and shade management.
6. Toured Hogue Cellars with Rick Hamman, Carlos Trevino, and Dave Copeland covering post harvest handling of the grapes and fermentaion control. Continued the discussion over dinner.
Returned to Kennewick, WA at 9:30 PM

Friday, July 7, 2006 Planning, Business meeting, and Station Reports:

Columbia Room, Hilton Gardens Inn, Kennewick, WA.

Attendees: Ralph Cavalieri, Carter Clary, Loren Gautz, Steve Goodwin, Dan Guyer, Yong Hang, Paul Hienneman, Yen-Con Hung, Gary Hyde, Naoshi Kondo, Renfu Lu, Kazuhiko Namba, Marvin Pitts, Ajit Srivastava, Juming Tang, Yang Tao, Shaojin Wang.

Meeting started at 8:30 AM.
Host Jumin Tang opened meeting with introduction of Ralph Cavalieri, Director of WSU ARC and Chief Editor of Postharvest Biology and Technology. R. Cavalieri gave an overview of Washington State Agriculture Research Centers and the agriculture it supports. He introduced the current problem with Federal funding opportunities; i.e. reduced levels and shift to competitive grants and then introduced Jim McFerson, Manager of Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission.
Jim McFerson presented the Tree Fruit Technology Roadmap; an agricultural industry initiative to increase funding for research in specialty crops. He emphasized importance of grower political action and ability of specialty crops to enhance the health of individuals and the health of communities.
Both R. Cavalieri's and J. McFerson's presentations were video taped and available from Marvin Pitts (WA).

Discussion of the "Roadmap" followed with following points made:
Research is good. Public/private argument is moot. No need for tzar.
Is there anything [funds] to compete for? Push science.
Areas change without agencies seeing need for continuity
Need order of magnitude increase in funding.
International cooperation. Science and technology should be shared.
Information technology is going to make more impact.
Possible individual tree management
It is a political and social problem. Committed to Land Grant idea.
Need credible initiatives
Be smart politically. Need some rational ideas from ASABE

Business meeting called to order by Renfu Lu at 10:53
A group thank you was given to WSU team for an excellent meeting venue and technical tour.

Paul Heinemann moved to approve 2005 minutes. Jumin Tang seconded. Motion passed without objection.

Administrative advisor Steve Goodwin presented:
Need to develop project as a truly collaborative Multi-State project.
Competitive funding is the future although NRI not funded well
Federal funds are going to health initiatives.
Institutional hires being based on grant attraction.
Indirect costs from NRI inadequate to achieve institutional notice.
Dwindling formula funds are allocated at each Station.
Limited by line positions and infrastructure items.
On-farm work being encouraged
Formula funds being moved to competitive programs.
Emphasis on Multi-state projects: 25% of NRI funds.
Integration and more "real" collaboration

Discussion followed:
Should show attempts at integration.
Need theme. McFerson gave a good start in "Roadmap"
Joint proposal to Washington Tree Fruit Research.
Coordinating committee between Multi-State projects.
No specialty crops committee in CREES.
Labor issues. Robotics. New crops. Crop identification.
Commercialization barrier.
Provide leadership to political orgs on research needs and abilities.
Pass through funding. Forget boundaries. Go for momentum and impacts.
Always invite commodity groups.
Is specialty crops right segment of industry?

Loren Gautz moved a subcommittee develop a two-page description of what this project can provide to the fruit and vegetable industry. Yen-Con Hung seconded. Discussion preceded motion. Motion passed
Steve Goodwin will coordinate; Ralph Cavalieri, Ajit Srivastava, and Renfu Lu volunteered to do work.
Subcommittee needs, in bullet form, facilities, expertise and contacts in commodity groups from each Station. Send to Renfu Lu and/or Steve Goodwin by September 5.
Document will be mailed out to commodity groups once a year.


Specific projects for collaboration:

Detect dextrose, starch, etc. in waste water. (Lamb-Weston suggestion)
Loren Gautz will contact Marv Pitts (WA), Joseph Irudayaraj (IN), Darrel Donahue (ME), Renfu Lu (MI), and David Slaughter (CA).

Vision system for crop management
Loren Gautz will contact Gene Kupferman (WA), Dana Fabian, Paul Heinemann (PA), and David Slaughter (CA).

Sorting crop in field.
Yang Tao (MD) will take the lead.

Renfu Lu has Israel contact to arrange for a BARD grant to conduct a Special Conference on Tree Fruit Automation. Yang Tao (MD) and Marv Pitts (WA) will assist. Feb deadline.

Elected Marvin Pitts (WA) member at large

Meeting next year will be hosted by California (committee's first preference) or Hawaii, with time at the discretion of the host station.

Station reports:
Md - Yang Tao reported an algorithm for stem and calyx detection. Also detecting fecal contamination using hyperspectral imaging.
NY Geneva - Yong Hang reported on probiotic bacteria in juices, particularly L. plantarum. Also on the development of distilled spirits from grape and apple pomace.
Ga - Yen-Con Hung reported electrolized water is useful surface cleaning of fresh fruits and vegetables of microbial contamination.
Hi - Loren Gautz reported determination of conversion ratios and bulk densities of Kona coffee at each stage of processing from cherry to roasted bean. Also, dehumidifier drying of coffee bean.
Me-Dan Guyer (for D Donahue) reported maggot detection using NIRS.
MSU - Dan Guyer reported economics of chilling cherries. And insect detection using hyperspectral imaging.
PSU - Paul Heinnemann reported sensor fusion of commercial electronic noses to detect damage in apples.
MSU-ARS - Renfu Lu reported use of hyperspectral imaging for rating quality of apples and pickling cucumbers.
Wa - Clary reported on tree crop management, selective asparagus harvesting, andfruit dehydration.
Shaojin Wang reported radio frequency insect disinfestation of walnuts. Marv Pitts reported on FEM and measuring tensile properties of fruit.
Japan - Naoshi Kondo reported Grading robot, traceability, mobile grading, tree management, and THz spectroscopy.

Renfu Lu will collect station reports and consolidate for the NE-1008 Annual Report to CREES.

Meeting adjourned at 4:30 pm

Accomplishments

Objective 1) CA-Davis:Nondestructive optical properties of intact clingstone peaches were measured in the visible & near infrared regions in order to determine the engineering properties needed to develop a new nondestructive optical method for rapid determination of flesh color in clingstone peaches. The resulting method is suitable for flesh color grading tasks at inspection stations prior to canning & for on-line sorting tasks. A set of 617 fruit, consisting of four Californian clingstone peach cultivars, was studied. Multiple linear regression models were developed to predict CIE hue angle of the flesh using visible & near infrared absorbance values measured in interactance mode on the intact fruit. This non-destructive optical method predicted the flesh color w/ a standard error of calibration of 1.5 degrees (hue angle).GA:The procedure for determining modulus of elasticity (E) of convex food material using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) was standardized by conducting research studies to identity specific equipment & steps that yielded the most accurate & repeatable results. For peaches the recommended process uses a specially designed instrument to find the radius of curvature & then uses a 12.7 mm diameter spherical indenter to compress fruit 10 mm at 15 mm/min when supported by a specially designed three-point holder. The value for E is calculated from the slope of the force deformation curve between a minimum of 0.5 N & the maximum force at 1.0 mm deformation. The specified steps also ensure the fruit is positioned w/ the point measured at the apex & is centered under the spherical indenter. HI: Taste panel & chemical data of coffee grown under three different levels of shade were collected. Models showing correlation of taste panel & chemical data are under development. The NIRS spectrometer was damaged during a flood & limited the acquisition of NIRS spectra of these samples. Next year: We will collect taste panel, chemical data, & NIR spectra of coffee grown under three different levels of shade & will attempt to correlate these data in predictive models.MI-ARS:Improvements were made to the hyperspectral imaging system & algorithms for measuring the optical properties (absorption & scattering coefficients) of turbid fruits & vegetables. A calibration method & procedure was developed to correct for the nonuniform instrument response. A mathematical equation was derived for accounting for the fruit size effect on scattering measurements. The improved algorithm no longer required reference samples to calibrate the imaging system, & it was validated w/ three types of liquid simulation samples of known optical properties. The average errors for measuring the absorption & scattering coefficients of the three types of simulation samples were 11% & 16%, respectively. Optical property data were measured from intact Golden Delicious apples, selected fruit & vegetable juices, & milk over the wavelengths 530-900 nm. Statistical analyses were performed relating absorption & scattering coefficients to fruit firmness & soluble solids content. Compared to other techniques currently available in biomedical research, the hyperspectral imaging technique is fast & relatively simple to use, & it is especially useful for rapid, noninvasive determination of the optical properties of horticultural products & other turbid food & agricultural products. Next year: Research will be focused on: 1) continuing to improve the accuracy & reliability of the data analysis method for determining the scattering & absorption coefficients of turbid food samples; 2) collecting optical properties data for selected horticultural & food products over the visible & near-infrared region between 500 nm & 1600 nm; & 3) developing simulation models to investigate & quantify light scattering & absorption in intact apple fruit. NY - Geneva:Production of grappa from grape pomace: We have demonstrated that the sweet pomace of five white grape varieties (Cayuga White, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Niagara & Riesling) is a suitable substrate for the production of grappa, a value-added distilled beverage containing 40% of ethanol. The methanol content of the grappa made from the pomace of grape varieties grown in the Finger Lakes Wine Region of New York State is significantly less than the U.S. legal limit of 280 mg/100 mL of 40% ethanol. Production of probiotic vegetable beverages: We have studied the growth & survival of lactic acid bacteria in vegetable juices. Of the four species of the bacteria examined, Lactobacillus plantarum grows most rapidly in beet, cabbage & tomato juices. The organism could lower the pH to below 4.5, & the viable cell counts could reach a billion per mL in 48 hours. The fermented products are still contain 40 million viable cells per mL after 4 wks of cold storage. The results of our work indicate that L. plantarum could be used in the production of healthy beverages for vegetarians & consumers who are allergic to fermented dairy products Next year: We are planning to conduct research on the value-added processing of apple pomace. Experiments will be carried out to determine if high-quality distilled apple spirits could be produced from apple pomace generated by the apple processing industry. Objective 2) CA-Davis:During the 2005 clingstone peach season a research project was conducted to evaluate the operational feasibility of using instruments to measure the flesh color & flesh firmness of clingstone peaches at California Cling peach inspection stations. Flesh color is known to be a good index of flavor & firmness an index of pitting damage in canning peaches. Currently, subjective methods are used to assess flesh color & flesh firmness at California Cling peach inspection stations, resulting in a lack of satisfaction w/ the inspection process by many in the industry. The flesh color & flesh firmness of over 6,800 Cling peaches were measured instrumentally in 2005 at many inspection stations in California & compared to the current official inspection methods of the California DFA. The agreement between the color instrument & the standard visual inspection method for maturity was 78% for single cut fruit & 71% for double cut fruit. For firmness, the agreement between the standard finger touch method of identifying soft fruit & the nondestructive instrumental method was 68.5% & 70% for the two instruments evaluated.The citrus industry is seeking an objective alternative to the USDA manual inspection method used by CDFA inspectors to determine freeze damage in Navel oranges. Research was conducted on the continued development of an objective sensing method for quantifying the existence of freeze damaged oranges within in a few days following a freeze event for use by California Ag Commissioners. Previous year's research showed that freeze damaged fruit produces ethanol & an inexpensive, hand-held, battery-operated ethanol detector was effective in measuring the ethanol (etoh) produced by freeze damaged oranges. Preliminary evaluations also indicated that a bench-top magnetic resonance system was also capable of differentiating between freeze damaged & non-damaged oranges. This year's research evaluated the effectiveness of these methods for identifying freeze damaged oranges within a few days of a freeze event using two Navel varieties (Atwood & Washington), w/ & without preharvest gibberillic acid (GA) treatment & w/ fruit harvested over the potential frost period from December through March. A test was conducted to determine if headspace ethanol concentrations change in the days following freeze injury. Fruit w/ no freeze damage & slight freezing had very stable etoh levels. More severly freeze damaged fruit showed increased etoh. The increased ethanol production appears to be associated w/ decay development. Discriminant analysis statistics were used to determine the optimum ethanol threshold for distinguishing between lots of frozen & non-frozen fruit. A lot of 6 to 7 fruit was considered frozen if one fruit was determined to be freeze-damaged. All of the data collected during the test period were pooled & variety & GA treatments were separated in the analysis. Best discrimination between frozen & non-frozen lots was obtained by setting the freeze threshold at e 0.01 mg/l etoh for GA treated & untreated fruit. Assuming this threshold, the etoh method agreed w/ the USDA method in 100% & 93% of the Washington variety lots & 100% & 93% of the Atwood lots. w/ both varieties there was the slightly lower agreement was wit the GA treated fruit. Based on a preliminary analysis none of the other potential factors: date of harvest, soluble solids or titratible acid had a significant influence on the detection accuracy. The sequential headspace etoh test revealed the headspace can be sampled after only 15 min of equilibration when conducted at room temperature. At 50° & 59°F minimum equilibration time is 30 min. The magnetic resonance method agreed w/ the CDFA method in 83% to 85% of the lots, w/ GA treated fruit having the slightly higher agreement. Recent work showed that frozen & non-frozen Navel oranges can be distinguished based on headspace ethanol concentrations & using a new optical method. Preliminary analysis indicates that the optical technique can distinguish frozen & non-frozen fruit w/ an accuracy similar to the headspace ethanol method, but it has the potential of operating at packing line speeds. The goal of this research is to compare the accuracy of headspace ethanol detection & optical methods of identifying freeze damaged Navel oranges w/ the official USDA method & a taste panel. If proven useful the methods will be suitable for use by Ag Commissioners following a freeze event & for online detection of damaged fruit. Next year: Continuing work is needed to develop methods needed to implement objective instrumented methods of assessing flesh color & flesh firmness at California Cling peach inspection stations. Specifically, this project will determine the minimum distance from the colorimeter measurement port to the edge of the cut flesh (i.e. the skin) allowed without significant change in the color reading. Eval. the change in color of clingstone peach tissue w/ bruising over time using a colorimeter for use in determining a bruise color threshold for future use in inspection. GA:Freshly harvested onions from 4 cultivars covering early, mid- & late season maturity categories were obtained from the Vidalia onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. Polar & equatorial diameters & the weight of each onion were measured & resulting data were fitted to theoretical probability distributions. Statistical tests, such as the Chi-Square & Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, were conducted to determine goodness of fit. These onions were passed through an X-ray linescan inspection unit. All onions were placed on the belt conveyor w/ a consistent orientation (x-ray beam will be collinear w/ the root-shoot axes of the produce). Visual evaluation of X-ray images for the presence of distinct features indicative of defects, as described in the literature, will be done to assess the internal quality of the onions. Defective onions were removed from the system & were quartered to verify if a defect is indeed present. Quartering involved cutting the onion across its equatorial diameter & then halving along its neck-root axis. The false alarms & correct rejections are in line w/ previously reported results, except for the "Sweet Vidalia" cultivar. Reasons for this difference are currently being evaluated. HI:The physical properties of coffee important for engineering design of post harvest operations were determined for a limited sample of the coffees grown in Kona. The mean conversion of the typica variety of coffee cherry grown in Kona at 580 m elevation w/ less than 1% error is one kg of coffee cherry yields in succession 481 g of wet parchment, 299 g of dry parchment (12%wb), & 263 g of green bean. The by-products currently under utilized from 1 kg of coffee cherry were 314 g pulp, 110 g mucilage, & 36 g of hulls & MOTC (material other than coffee bean). Density in kg per cubic meter was determined to be: cherry 645; depulped 853; wet pulp 200; washed parchment 743; dry parchment 463; green bean 770; & hulls & MOTC 52. Next year: We will continue to explore methods to obtain calibration model for DDT in green bean coffee, determine the physical properties of coffee grown in Kona, & relate this data to design parameters for milling & storing high quality coffee. IN - Purdue:The results of tests on apples using a conveyor system designed for use w/ a low-field (5.35 MHz) proton magnetic resonance (MR) sensor were published in 2005. A follow-up study was completed in which apples w/ internal browning or both internal browning & watercore, along w/ unaffected apples, were tested using the same system. The apples were not moving at the time of interrogation. The T2 (spin-spin) relaxation signals were fit to a three term exponential model. Changes in the model parameters were correlated w/ the extent of physiological damage. The results suggest that the changes in the model parameters may indicate the presence & the severity of internal browning in apples. The low field MR sensor was also used for T2 measurements on whole canning tomatoes at maturity levels ranging from mature green (MG) to dark-red. A two-term exponential model w/ time constants T2a & T2b had the best fit to the relaxation curves. As tomato maturity changed from green to light red, the T2a values decreased while the T2b values increased. However, as maturity changed from light red to dark red (over-mature) T2a increased & T2b decreased. As a result, the T2a & T2b values of green & dark red tomatoes were almost identical. Tomato firmness was quantified by compressing the tomatoes between two flat plates & determining both the deformation for an applied load to 4.0 N & the elastic modulus. As the tomato ripeness increased, the deformation produced by the 4.0 N force increased & the modulus of elasticity decreased. Multiple correlation analyses using combinations of T2b & T2a gave coefficients of determination R2 of 0.47 for deformation at 4.0 N load & an R2 of 0.40 for elastic modulus versus T2b (P<0.0001). In tests on tomatoes collected from a processing facility the average T2a values of tomatoes w/ no visible damage, slight damage, & severe damage were 54 ms, 102 ms, & 121 ms, respectively. The differences among these averages were statistically significant (P = 0.05).During the summer of 2005, T2 values of tart cherries were determined by fitting a single term exponential model to the relaxation curve. The average T2 was lower for Montmorenci cherries w/ worm damage than for those without worm damage. However, worm damage caused no obvious differences in the average T2 of Balaton cherries. Additional tests & more extensive data analysis are needed to determine whether the MR sensor can be used to detect worm damage in tart cherries. Next year: Results of the tests conducted on apples & tomatoes will be submitted for publication. If time & resources become available, the potential for using magnetic resonance for detecting internal damage or quality attributes of other types of fruit & vegetables will be investigated. Japan:THz wave application in post-harvest: Experimental devices were made & actual tomato fruits were experimented. Refractive index of glucose solution was also measured. Next year: We will continue the experiments to accumulate data. MD:From traditional apple-by-apple visual inspection to automated on-line sorting & grading, machine vision technology plays a key role in the apple industry. Machine vision methods are widely used in apple defect detection & quality grading applications. Currently, 2D near-infrared (NIR) imaging of apples is often used to detect apple defects because the image intensity of the defect is different from the normal apple tissue. However, a drawback of this method is that the apple stem-end/calyx also exhibits similar image intensity to the apple defect. Since an apple stem-end/calyx often appears in the NIR image, the false alarm rate is high w/ the 2D NIR imaging method.In this paper, a novel two-step 3D data analysis strategy is developed so that the apple stem-end/calyx can be differentiated from apple defect according to their different 3D shape information. This new technique enables the accuracy & efficacy of discriminating apple stem/calyx from true defects & contributes to the new technology for automated detection of defects for apple quality on the market. In sensing & imaging detecting, an important task in hyperspectral data processing is to reduce the redundancy of the spectral & spatial information without losing any valuable details that are needed for the subsequent detection, discrimination & classification processes. Band selection & combination not only serves as the first step of hyperspectral data processing that leads to a significant reduction of computational complexity, but also a invaluable research tool to identify optimal spectra for different online applications. An integrated PCA & Fisher linear discriminant (FLD) method is developed for hyperspectral feature band selection & combination. Based on tests in a hyperspectral detection application, this new method achieves better performance than other feature extraction & selection methods in terms of robust classification. This method developed is universal & can be applied broad areas for food quality & safety inspections. ME:Prediction of blueberry infestation by using a PLS model. Prediction ratio using two different NIR systems (UM-650-1050 nm, UM-900-1690 nm) ranges between 70-80 percent. Prediction ratio includes field to field & season to season variations in the wild blueberry crop, covering three seasons (2002-2005). We have determined that the detection limit of the NIRS method based on maggot size (length) is 2 mm ~ equal to USDA standard test limit (visual, boil test). Spectral subtractions of averaged spectra from infested & non-infested blueberries show differences in the 1300-1700 nm range. In addition, comparison of subtractions of stem & calyx spectra from the same berry showed similar features for infested & non-infested berries Maggot to berry volume ratio percentages were completed for several samples & ranged from 0.6 to 3.2 percent, w/ the average being 1.2 percent. This average percentage is near the theoretical detection limit of the NIRS methods.Next year: a Determine which chemical compounds in the blueberry & maggot contribute to NIR signal & classification. Complete the following experiments which are currently on-going: a.1. FT-IR scan of infested & non-infested berries preliminary determination of chemical composition ; a.2. LC/MS analysis to identify functional groups & concentration ranges; & a.3. Complete the spectral data base & chemometrics model to determine the efficiency of the detection system. b.Attempt to reduce water signal in the spectra to improve classification: b.1. Use FT IR to calculate scaling factor for water spectrum subtraction at 2000 - 2500 nm; b.2. Use humidity chamber to get comparable water content in berries before scanning during 2006 field season; & b.3. Remove water by freeze-drying berries & maggots & test classification. c.Determine the probability to detect signal coming directly from the maggot: c.1. Determine the probability to find the maggot close to the berry stem end using microtoming. MI-ARS:Multispectral scattering for assessing fruit quality. Good progress was made on the development of a multispectral scattering technique for assessing apple fruit firmness, which is different from conventional nondestructive techniques. Improvements in mathematical analyses & system calibration led to better, more consistent prediction of fruit firmness. A multispectral scattering prototype has been designed & tested for real time detection of apple fruit quality. w/ further improvements, the prototype will be suitable for sorting & grading of apples for firmness & soluble solids. The research represents an important advancement in nondestructive sensing of fruit quality, & the technology would provide the fruit industry new capabilities for delivering better quality fresh products to the consumer. Integrated optical technique for assessing apple maturity. Apple maturity measurements are routinely performed w/ destructive methods. Reflectance & fluorescence are two nondestructive optical techniques that can be complementary in assessing multiple maturity/quality parameters. Research was performed on developing an optical technique integrating reflectance & fluorescence for nondestructive measurement of maturity parameters for apples. Based on research from the previous year, an improved technique that enabled fast measurement of both reflectance & fluorescence was developed. Mathematical methods were refined for integrating reflectance & fluorescence data to predict individual maturity parameters. Reflectance mode was consistently better than fluorescence mode for predicting maturity parameters. The integrated technique gave better measurement of nearly all maturity parameters than either reflectance or fluorescence mode; the improvements in the correlation coefficient was as high as 12% for acidity prediction. Hyperspectral imaging for detecting defective pickling cucumbers. Rapid, nondestructive detection of defective pickling cucumbers is critical to ensuring consistent, high quality pickled products. Research was performed on developing a nondestructive optical technique to detect surface & internal defects of pickling cucumbers. A hyperspectral imaging system was assembled & tested for acquiring reflectance & transmittance images from both normal & defective pickling cucumbers. Image processing algorithms were developed for automated classification of defective & normal cucumbers. An overall classification accuracy of 95% was achieved for surface & internal defects (bruises & damaged or hollow carpel) caused by mechanical stress resulting from dropping & rolling under load. The research represents the first effort of using hyperspectral imaging in transmittance mode for detecting defects in pickling cucumbers. Next: Our research will be focused on the following three areas: 1) continuing research on multispectral scattering for assessing fruit firmness & soluble solids. Improvements to the prototype will be made for more accurate & consistent assessment of fruit firmness & soluble solids content; 2) improving the technique integrating reflectance & fluorescence for faster, more accurate measurement of apple maturity parameters. Improved algorithms will be developed for more effective integration of two types of spectral data; & 3) developing algorithms for automated detection of defective pickling cucumbers from the hyperspectral image data acquired w/ the hyperspectral imaging prototype. MI-MSU:Studies continued on the evaluation of spectral properties to characterize the postharvest plum curculio insect infestation of tart cherries. These studies continue to show promise in discerning infested versus non-infested fruit, however, the project was again challenged w/ the ability to obtain adequate samples of infested cherries. Such fruit are a major problem, but are not prevalent. w/ the sample available, additional transmittance & reflectance measurements in the visible & NIR range were made w/ instrumentation & the dedicated prototype sensor previously developed under this project. Data will be added to previous season's measurements to enhance the sample base. A unique feature or measurement collected during this year was the analysis of a cherry sample set by means of NMR in collaboration w/ the Indiana NE-1008 station. Initial analysis of the data indicates NMR could demonstrate a slight difference between infested & non-infested samples. Limited physical difference between the infested & good cherry samples used posed a challenge. An additional effort of this station related to this multi-state project has been the involvement in the National Tree Fruit Technology Roadmap. MI station, in collaboration w/ the USDA-ARS-EL station, has been involved in trying to chart a course for the sensing & automation aspect of this national initiative to reduce production inputs. In parallel to being a participant in the national involvement in trying to secure funding & set direction, this station is looking, & has a project, to identify specific sensing & automation needs for Michigan which can potentially integrate w/ the national initiative. Another activity has been to conduct applied & demonstrative research in the area of enhancing product quality while increasing water use efficiency in the cooling of tart cherries. The focus during this reporting period was to quantify the effect of various cooling protocols & temperatures on the firmness & pitted yield of cherries. Next: The project relating to non-destructive evaluation of internal cherry quality (primarily past or present insect presence) will again continue by attempting to improve on the number & distribution of various levels of cherry quality samples through efforts to induce infestations to increase control of infested fruit. Replication & verification of previous years experiments will be conducted. Efforts will continue w/ participation on the Technology Roadmap initiative, both on the national & state levels. It is expected this will lead to initial research this coming year on orchard management related sensing concepts. MI station is also involved in a new project to study technology & protocol to enhance the quality appearance of Michigan apples. While not sensor related but fruit quality related, this station will continue to assist the cherry industry w/ means to improve the uniformity of cooling within tart cherry tanks. PA: continued to combine the surface-acoustic wave-based "zNose" technology w/ the Cyranose 320 through sensor fusion to detect damage in apples. The response of the e-nose 32 sensors are being combined w/ the compound-specific peaks from the zNose through artificial neural networks or multivariate analysis techniques to determine presence of compounds associated w/ damaged apples. Tests using the individual instruments showed that both the e-nose & the zNose could distinguish healthy from damaged apples (those w/ purposely inflicted cuts) after about 5-7 days. Advanced evolutionary algorithms, including genetic algorithms (GA), covariance matrix adaptation evolutionary strategy (CMAES), & differential evolution (DE) algorithms, were investigated to select the most relevant wavelengths & reduce data dimensionality of both the e-nose & zNnose. These approaches improved classification accuracy to between 97 & 100%. Fusion techniques are currently being employed to combine the zNose & e-nose data for final validation tests. Objective 3) CA-Davis:SYBR Green Assay:Modifications to a previously published (Csordas et al., 2004) SYBR Green real-time assay for the detection of Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) were performed w/ a flow-through PCR instrument. A two-step PCR assay was performed under the following conditions: 2 minutes at 50°C, 10 minutes at 95°C & 35 cycles of: 30 s at 95°C & 1 minute at 62°C. The Sen primer set was used to target a 172 bp fragment of the invA gene of S. enterica w/ a melting temperature of approximately 81°C. BSA at a concentration of 0.25 mg/ml was used in the reaction mixture to reduce adsorption of reaction components to the glass reaction chamber & silicone tubing. A Taq polymerase concentration of 104 nkat (6.25 U) per 50 µl reaction was used. Following thermal cycling, a dissociation analysis was performed. The temperature of the reaction chamber was increased from 60 to 90°C in 1°C increments w/ a 30 second hold at each temperature setpoint Fluorescence readings were taken at each temperature setpoint. Flow-through Real-Time PCR System: An embedded controller (TD 40, Tern Inc., Davis, CA, 95616) was programmed in C++ to control the automated real-time PCR system. A proportional integral derivative (PID) controller controlled the temperature of a small thermoelectric module (9501/071/040B, FerroTec, Santa Clara, CA, USA) for heating & cooling during PCR. Fiber optic cables (DH4001, Mitsubishi Rayon, Tokyo, Japan) were used to transmit light to & from the PCR sample. A 470 nm blue LED (IF-E92B, Industrial Fiber Optics, Tempe, AZ, USA) was used to excite the sample in the reaction chamber. A photodiode (BPX-61, Siemens, Cupertino, CA) embedded in a plastic housing contained a 520 nm bandpass interference filter (42-5249, Ealing Catalog, Rocklin, CA) for rejecting blue scattered light & passing light in the 520 nm range. The photodiode signal was sent to circuitry for amplification, filtering, & offset adjustment. A 1.85 mm ID glass capillary tube (6630-299-9837, Friedrich & Dimmock, NJ, USA) was used as the PCR reaction chamber. The tube was placed inside an aluminum block, which was placed on the thermoelectric module (TEM). Solenoids w/ spring attached plungers were used to seal the silicone tubing (TBGM107, Neptune Research, West Caldwell, NJ, USA) attached to the glass reaction chamber. A diagram showing major components of the flow-through system is shown in Figure 1. Fluid handling & real-time PCR components. Flow-through PCR Results: Figures 2 & 3 show the results of testing the flow-through PCR system w/ 50 ng of S. enterica Newport DNA per 50 µl reaction. The test sample & PCR mix were automatically loaded into the glass reaction chamber using pump 1. The amplification plot in Figure 2 shows that the fluorescence signal starts to increase at approximately cycle 20. Figure 2. Increase in fluorescence as a function of cycle number w/ S. enterica Newport extracted DNA. The dissociation plot of the PCR is shown in Figure 3. The plot indicates that the product formed during PCR has a melting temperature of 80°C, close to the expected melting temperature of the product of 81°C. Figure 3. Flow-through system dissociation results. Other experiments have shown that it is possible to clean the sample line w/ the reagents described previously, without any carry over contamination. A positive control PCR w/ 50 ng of extracted S. enterica Newport DNA was run, followed by a negative control reaction w/ no DNA. The amplification plot of the negative control reaction did not show any increase in fluorescence & no significantly large peaks were seen in the dissociation plot at any temperature. Therefore, it was possible to clean the sample line used for loading the test sample into the reaction chamber. We will continue to provide information on the detection limit of S. enterica extracted DNA & boiled S. enterica cells in autoclaved water & in sprout irrigation water. A completely automated real-time PCR detection system should include the automatic interpretation of fluorescence data collected so that the operator is not required to have extensive real-time PCR knowledge to determine test results. Software is being written & tested that will find temperatures associated w/ significantly large dF/dT values near 81°C to help determine if a particular sample contained Salmonella. Additionally, Ct values may be used to determine the approximate concentration of Salmonella detected by the system. MD:Outbreaks of salmonellosis have been epidemiologically linked to consumption of fresh cantaloupes (FDA, 2001b); therefore this produce has been targeted as a potentially hazardous food. Contaminated cantaloupes were found responsible for 2 deaths & 18 hospitalizations due to Salmonella between 2000 & 2002; subsequent investigations revealed unsanitary growing & packaging conditions (Anderson et al., 2002; FDA, 2002). Fecal contamination can result from faulty use of manure-based fertilizers, unsanitary conditions in packaging plants, or through random natural events by wild animals. To respond this issue, hyperspectral fluorescence imaging techniques were developed to detect invisible contaminants on embedded in the surface cantaloupes w/ at varying concentrations. These results indicate that fluorescence imaging is potentially viable technology for commercial applications for detection of fecal contamination on cantaloupes. PA: continued on the application of surface plasmon resonance biosensors to detect pathogenic microorganisms, especially different varieties of pathogenic Escherichia coli. A new scanning-imaging approach was developed to increase the dynamic range of the imaging SPR instrument. We are currently studying the application of array-based biosensors using scanning imaging SPR to detect antibody/antigen interactions w/ the goal of simultaneous detection of multiple pathogenic bacteria. SPR Imaging is an extension of the traditional SPR devices that are well known for their high sensitivity, real-time monitoring, & label-free detection of probe-target interactions. SPR imaging offers improvements over traditional SPR because it allows for multiple probe/target interactions to be monitored simultaneously. Next year: The surface plasmon sensor research will continue. WA-Over the past year, we collaborated w/ pomologists at UC Davis, entomologists at USDA ARS Fresno Station, RF engineers of Strayfield, UK & process engineers & quality assurance laboratory of Diamond Walnuts Inc., CA to conduct industrial-scale confirmatory treatments in control of field pests in inshell walnut. It is the final step in developing commercially & environmentally sound insect control technologies for in-shell walnuts using radio frequency (RF) energy as an alternative to chemical fumigation. w/ an industrial-scale 27 MHz, 25 kW RF system, treatment provides a throughputs of 1562 kg/h at an average energy efficiency 79.5 to achieve an average walnut surface temperature of 60°C, & minimum temperature of 52°C. The treatment resulted in 100% mortality of fifth-instar navel orangeworm larvae, the most heat tolerant target pest, in both unwashed & air dried walnuts, & was effective over a relatively wide range of walnut moisture contents (3-7.5%). Walnut quality was not affected by the RF treatments; kernel color, peroxide values & fatty acid values of treated walnuts were similar to untreated controls after 20 days at 35°C simulating 2 years of storage under commercial conditions at 4°C. The RF treatment developed in this study should also control codling moth, Indianmeal moth & red flour beetle in in-shell walnuts. This treatment should provide an effective & environmentally friendly phytosanitary treatment technology for the walnut industry. Objective 4) HI:Built a prototype separator based on parallel rollers. The design is based on the proven ability for parallel rollers to expel 100% of pulp while all beans are retained without any damage to the hull of the beans. Determined that a dryer using a dehumidifier to condense the water from the recirculating drying air would be economical under current conditions in Kona. Next year: We will test a prototype separator based on the roller technology. Japan:A fruit grading robot w/ traceability system: Fruit grading robots were commercialized by SI Seiko Co., Ltd. & were introduced to some agricultural cooperative associations. A traceability system, in which grading data the fruit grading robot measures are accumulated, was constructed & is working for consumers through web site. Next year: Development of a mobile fruit grading robot, which can follow human operator who is in charge of harvesting operation.

Publications

Aggarwal, D., S. Prussia, W. Florkowski, and G. Lysiak. 2005. Simulating calcium dip effect on postharvest quality of peaches, Acta Hort. (ISHS) 682:917-924.<br /> <br /> Allende-Prieto, A., J. McEvoyb, Y. Tao, and Y. Luo, 2005. Antimicrobial effect of sodium hypochlorite, acidified sodium chlorite, sodium chlorite and citric acid on Escherichia coli O157:H7 and natural microflora of intact and sliced cilantro. International Journal of Food Microbiology. (Accepted).<br /> <br /> Ariana, D.P., D.E. Guyer, B.P. Shrestha. 2006. "Integrating multispectral reflectance and fluorescence imaging for defect detection on apples." Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 50(2): 148-161.<br /> <br /> Ariana, D. P. and R. Lu. 2006. Visible/near-infrared hyperspectral transmittance imaging for detection of internal mechanical injury in pickling cucumbers. ASABE Paper No. 063039. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI. 10pp.<br /> <br /> Ariana, D. P., R. Lu, and D. E. Guyer. 2005. Detection of mechanical injury on pickling cucumbers using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging. In Optical Sensors and Sensing Systems for Natural Resources and Food Safety and Quality, edited by Y. R. Chen et al., Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 5996: 59960P, 8pp. SPIE (The International Society for Optical Engineering), Bellingham, WA. <br /> <br /> Ariana, D.P., R. Lu, D.E. Guyer. 2006. Near-infrared hyperspectral reflectance imaging for detection of bruises on pickling cucumbers. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 53: 60-70.<br /> <br /> Ayebah, B., Y.-C. Hung and J. F. Frank. 2005. Enhancing the bactericidal effect of electrolyzed water on Listeria monocytogenes biofilms formed on stainless steel. J. Food Prot. 68:1375-138.<br /> <br /> Ayebah, B. and Y.-C. Hung. 2005. Electrolyzed water and its corrosiveness on various surface materials commonly found in food processing facilities. J. Food Process Eng. 28:247-264.<br /> <br /> Cheng, X., Y.R. Chen, Y. Tao, and Xin Chen. 2005. Gabor-wavelet Decomposition and Integrated PCA-FLD Method for Texture Based Defect Classification. SPIE Vol. 5996 (2005): 283-291.<br /> <br /> Cheng, X. Y. Tao, YR Chen, and X. Chen. 2006. Integrated PCA-fld method for Hyperspectral Imagery Feature Extraction and Band Selection. IEEE Conference on Medical Imaging. Alexandria, Virginia. 3/2006. <br /> <br /> Csordas, A.T., M. J. Delwiche, and J. D. Barak. 2006. PCR Biosensor for the Detection of Bacterial Pathogens in Fruits and Vegetables. CIGR World Congress, Bonn, Germany. Paper FP-5-663.<br /> <br /> Fung, R., Wang, C., Smith, D., Gross, K., Tao, Y., and Tian, M. 2004. Correlation of increased alternative oxidase gene expression with reduced chilling injury in cold-stored tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum). HortScience Vol.39:806. <br /> <br /> Gautz, L.D., P. Kaufusi, M. C. Jackson, H. C. Bittenbender, and C.S. Tang. 2006. "Determination of Kavalactones in Dried Kava (Piper methysticum) Powder using Near-infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy and Partial Least-Squares Regression" (manuscript ID jf060964v) accepted J of Agric and Food Chem.<br /> <br /> Gautz, L.D. and R. Nelson. 2006. Energy and Economic Effectiveness of a Dehumidifier for Small Scale Coffee Drying. Paper #061145, ASABE, St Joseph, MI.<br /> <br /> Guyer, D.E., D.P. Ariana, B.P. Shrestha, R. Lu. 2006. Opto-electronic determination of insect presence in fruit. Paper No. 066061. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.<br /> <br /> Hang, Y. D. and Woodams, E. E. 2006. Production of grappa from sweet pomace of New York grape varieties. Paper 020B-08, in the Book of Abstracts of the 2006 IFT Annual Meeting. Institute of Food Technologists, Chicago, IL.<br /> <br /> Kim, J.K., Luo, Y., Saftner, R. Tao, Y. and Gross, K.C. 2005. Effect of initial oxygen concentration and film oxygen transmission rate on the quality of fresh-cut romaine lettuce. Journal of Science of Food Agriculture Vol.85(10):1622-1630. <br /> <br /> Kim, J.G., Y. Luo, Y. Tao. 2004. Effect of the Combination Treatment of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Acidified Sodium Chlorite on Microbial Growth and Quality of Fresh-cut Cilantro. Submitted to J. of Am Soc for Hort Sci. 12/2004.<br /> <br /> Lu, R. and Y. Peng. 2005. Comparison of multispectral scattering and visible/NIR spectroscopy for predicting apple fruit firmness. In Proceedings of 7th Fruit, Nut and Vegetable Production Engineering Symposium, Paper No. 62.<br /> <br /> Lu, R. and Y. Peng. 2005. A laser-based multispectral imaging system for real-time detection of apple fruit firmness. In Optical Sensors and Sensing Systems for Natural Resources and Food Safety and Quality, edited by Y. R. Chen et al., Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 5996: 59960F, 10pp. SPIE (The International Society for Optical Engineering), Bellingham, WA.<br /> <br /> Lu, R. and Y. Peng. 2005. Hyperspectral scattering for assessing peach fruit firmness. Biosystems Engineering 93(2): 161-171.<br /> <br /> Lu, R., J. Qin, and Y. Peng. 2006. Measurement of the optical properties of apples by hyperspectral imaging for assessing fruit quality. ASABE Paper No. 066179. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI. 11pp. <br /> <br /> Lu, R. A. K. Srivastava, and H. A. A. Ababneh. 2006. Finite element analysis and experimental evaluation of bioyield probes for measuring apple fruit firmness. Transactions of the ASABE 49(1): 123-131.<br /> <br /> Lysiak, G., W.J. Florkowski, and S.E. Prussia. 2005. Harvest maturity and storage conditions of peaches, Haslo Ogrodnicze 4:72-74.<br /> <br /> NeSmith, D.S., A. Nunez-Barrios, S.E. Prussia, and D. Aggarwal. 2005. Postharvest berry quality of six rabbiteye blueberry cultivars in response to temperature, J. Amer. Pomology Soc. 59: 13-17.<br /> <br /> Noh, H. and R. Lu. 2005. UV light-induced fluorescence for assessing apple maturity. In Optical Sensors and Sensing Systems for Natural Resources and Food Safety and Quality, edited by Y. R. Chen et al., Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 5996: 59960I, 10pp. 2005. SPIE (The International Society for Optical Engineering), Bellingham, WA.<br /> <br /> Noh, H., Peng, Y. and Lu, R. 2006. Integration of hyperspectral reflectance and laser-induced fluorescence imaging for assessing apple maturity. ASABE Paper No. 066182. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI. 22pp.<br /> <br /> Nunez-Barrios, A., D.S. NeSmith, M. S. Chinnan, S. E. Prussia. 2005. Dynamics of Rabbiteye Blueberry Fruit Quality in Response to Harvest Method and Postharvest Handling Temperature, Small Fruits Review 4(2) 73 - 81.<br /> <br /> Peng, Y. and R. Lu. 2006. A LCTF based multispectral imaging system for estimation of apple fruit firmness. Part I -- Acquisition and characterization of scattering images. Transactions of the ASABE 49(1): 259-267.<br /> <br /> Peng, Y. and R. Lu. 2006. A LCTF based multispectral imaging system for estimation of apple fruit firmness. Part II Selection of optimal wavelengths and development of prediction models. Transactions of the ASABE 49(1): 269-275.<br /> <br /> Peng, Y. and Lu, R. 2006. New approaches to analyze multispectral scattering images for predicting apple fruit firmness and soluble solids content. ASABE Paper No. 066234. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI. 12pp.<br /> <br /> Peshlov, B, N., D. W. Donahue, F. A Drummond, and F. E. Dowell. 2006. Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for larvae detection in wild blueberries. Presentation at PITTCON 2006, 12-17 March, Orlando, FL.<br /> <br /> Prussia, S.E., D. Aggarwal, G. Lysiak, and W. Florkowski. 2005. Postharvest calcium chloride dips for increasing peach firmness, Acta Hort. (ISHS) 682:1551-1558.<br /> <br /> Prussia, S.E., M. K. Tetteh, B. P. Verma, and D. S. NeSmith. 2006. Apparent Modulus of Elasticity from FirmTech 2 Firmness Measurements of Blueberries., Transactions of the ASABE 49(1)113-121.<br /> <br /> Qin, J. and R. Lu. 2005. Detection of pits in tart cherries by hyperspectral transmission imaging. Transactions of the ASAE 48(5): 1963-1970.<br /> <br /> Qin, J. and R. Lu. 2005. Hyperspectral diffuse reflectance for determination of the optical properties of milk and fruit juice. In Optical Sensors and Sensing Systems for Natural Resources and Food Safety and Quality, edited by Y. R. Chen et al., Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 5996: 59960Q, 10pp. SPIE (The International Society for Optical Engineering), Bellingham, WA. <br /> <br /> Qin, J. and R. Lu. 2006. Measurement of the optical properties of apples using hyperspectral diffuse reflectance imaging. ASABE Paper No. 063037. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI. 16pp. <br /> <br /> Qin, J. and R. Lu. 2006. Hyperspectral diffuse reflectance imaging for rapid, noncontact measurement of the optical properties of turbid materials. Applied Optics (accepted).<br /> <br /> Rui-Cruz S., R. Gonzalez, Y. Luo, Y, Tao, G. González, 2005. Effect of Acidified Sodium Chlorite Applications on Microbial Growth and the Quality of Shredded Carrots. J of Food Science. JSFA-05-0312. Accepted and in press. Vol 86:xxxx-xxxx.<br /> <br /> Slaughter, D. C., and C. H. Crisosto. 2006. Nondestructive Determination of Internal Quality in Clingstone Peaches. ASABE Paper No. 066180. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.<br /> <br /> Slaughter, D. C., C. H. Crisosto, J. F. Thompson. 2005. Determination of Flesh Color and Firmness in Cling Peach Inspection. Annual Report to the California Cling Peach Board.<br /> <br /> Tan, E.S., D.C. Slaughter, and J.F. Thompson. 2005. Freeze damage detection in oranges using gas sensors. Postharvest Biol. Tech. 35 (2): 177-182.<br /> <br /> Tao, Y., 2005. Advanced Detection Technology for Food Processing Lines. National Food Processor Association (NFPA) Annual Conference. Washington DC. Nov., 2005. (Invited presentation to Industrial Quality Assurance Directors and Executives).<br /> <br /> Tollner, E.W., S.E. Prussia and W. Florkowski. 2005. Modeling Product Flow through a Generic Post harvest Distribution System. Journal of Food Distribution Research. (accepted).<br /> <br /> Vargas, A.M., M.S. Kim, Y. Tao, A.M. Lefcourt, YR Chen, Y. Luo, Y. Song. 2006. Hyperspecta Imaging Detection of Strawberry contamination. J of Food Engineering. 2/2006.<br /> <br /> Vargas, A., M. Kim, Y. Tao, A.M. Lefcourt, Y. Luo, Y.R. Chen, 2005. Detection of fecal contamination on cantaloupes using hyperspectral fluorescence imagery. Journal of Food Engineering. Vol.70(8-2005):471-476.<br /> <br /> Yoon, K. Y.,Woodams, E. E. and Hang, Y. D. 2006. Enzymatic production of pentoses from the hemicellulose fraction of corn residues. Food Science & Technology 39: 387-391.<br /> <br /> Yoon, K. Y.,Woodams, E. E. and Hang, Y. D. 2006. Production of probiotic cabbage juice by lactic acid bacteria. Bioresource Technology 97: 1427-1430.<br /> <br /> Yoon, K. Y.,Woodams, E. E. and Hang, Y. D. 2006. Relationship of acid phosphatase activity and Brix/acid ratio in cherries. Food Science & Technology 39: 316-320.<br /> <br /> Wang, S., Tang, J., Sun, T., Mitcham, B., Koral, T., Birla, S.L. 2006. Considerations in design of commercial radio frequency treatments for postharvest pest control in inshell walnuts. J. Food Engineering 77:304-312.<br /> Yin, X., Wang, S., Tang, J., Hansen, J.D. 2006. Thermal resistance of fifth-instar Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) as affected by pretreatment conditioning. Journal Stored Products Research 42 (1):75-85.<br /> Hallman G.J. Wang, S., Tang, J. 2005. Reaction order for thermal mortality instars of Mexican fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae). J. Economics Entomology 98(6):1905-1910.<br /> Wang, S., Monzon, M., Gazit, Y., Tang, J., Mitcham, E.J., Armstrong, J.W. 2005. Temperature dependent dielectric properties of subtropics and tropical fruits and associated insect pests, Trans. ASAE 48(5): 1873-1881. <br /> Drake S.R., Hansen J.D., Elfving D.C., Tang J. and Wang S., 2005. Hot <br /> water to control codling moth in sweet cherries: efficacy and quality. <br /> Journal of Food Quality, 28(4): 361-376. <br /> Birla, S.L., Wang, S., Tang, J., Fellman, J., Mattinson, D., Lurie, S. 2005. Quality of oranges as influenced by potential radio frequency heat treatments against Mediterranean fruit flies. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 38(1):66-79.<br /> Hansen, J.D., Drake, S.R., Heidt, M.L., Watkins, M.A., Tang, J., Wang, S. J. 2005. Radio frequency-hot water treatments for postharvest control of codling moth in Bing sweet cherries. Hortechnology 15(3):613-616. <br /> <br /> Wang S., Yue J., Tang J., and Chen, B., 2005. Mathematical modeling of heating uniformity for in-shell walnuts subjected to radio frequency treatments with intermittent stirrings. Postharvest Biology and Technology 35(1): 97-107.<br /> <br /> Zhu, B., L. Jiang, X. Cheng, and Y. Tao, 2005. 3D Surface Reconstruction of Apples from 2D NIR Images. SPIE Vol. 6000(2005): 242-251.<br /> <br /> Zhu, B., L. Jiang, X. Cheng, and Y. Tao, 2005. 3D Surface Reconstruction of Apples from 2D NIR Images. Pattern Recognition. 10/2005.<br />

Impact Statements

1. GA:The standardized procedure for measuring E of convex foods was established which specifies the details that are necessary for any user to obtain the same firmness measurement of peaches. The same procedure could be evaluated for applicability to other products or modifications could be published as needed. An intangible benefit was the increase in confidence that users had that each step was completed correctly. Inadequate segregation of diseased onions prior to controlled atmosphere (CA) storage spells huge economic losses to the Vidalia onion grower-handlers. Suppliers, for example, lost from as much as 10-20% to 50-70% of the 125 million pounds of CA-stored onions in Georgia due to Botrytis neck rot. Visual evaluation protocol of X-ray images developed from this research project can correctly reject onions with defects and or diseases before storage.
2. HI: Growers and buyers of premium coffee will benefit from a stable market where cupping quality (organoleptic factors) of coffee is truly determined from bean chemistry. This will prevent costly contention or fraud. The innovative equipment for processing will reduce losses of coffee bean in the range of 1 to 5%. This could amount to an additional 1 million dollars annually for the coffee growers in Hawaii. Knowledge of the physical properties of coffee grown in Hawaii will save considerable expense in designing coffee handling and processing facilities. Adoption of dehumidifiers to dry coffee could result in 25% less energy used on the farm. The extra capital cost of a dehumidifier over a propane burner would be recovered in two years under current prices in Kona, Hawaii. The shared expertise and equipment (in particular with the California Station) in the multi-state project, NE 1008, positively contributed to the success of the project.
3. IN Purdue: The tests on apples indicate that it may be possible to use a low field magnetic resonance sensor to determine the extent to which apple tissue has been affected by internal browning. Similarly, the tests on tomatoes indicate that it may be possible to use MR sensing to detect machine harvested tomatoes with severe bruise damage.
4. Japan: Accumulated precise data of the traceability system which were obtained by the fruit grading robot was usable not only for safety and reliability to consumers but also for farming guidance to producers. We found a feasibility to detect internal defects of tomato fruits, which were very difficult to be detected by human eyes. When brix value of the solution was higher, extinction coefficient (imaginary part) was drastically changed, while real part of refractive index did not change.
5. ME: The goal of this research is to produce a refined discrimination, classification and prediction algorithm for infested wild blueberry fruit that can be used as the basis for the development of a software-driven in-process-line hardware system that is capable of detecting and separating maggot infested blueberries from high quality U.S. Grade #1 fruit. The ability to separate infested fruit on the process line will enable wild blueberry producers and processors to make more cost effective pest management decisions.
6. MI-MSU: The food industry, from raw product to the table, faces challenges in the areas of food safety, food security, quality and consistency, and in some cases from availability of labor. Development and application of sensing systems are helping to address many of these challenges. Optical based sensors and handling systems, such as those to sort fruit or vegetable raw products, can replace or enhance many labor intensive operations. Sensors and detection systems used in postharvest and/or orchard management operations have the potential to take pressure off production techniques, such as chemical application, which are facing an increase in social pressure and can also assist in labor efficiency.
7. NY-Geneva: The results of our work on the production of value-added products such as grappa should be of commercial importance to the wine industry in New York and other states. The work on probiotic vegetable juices contains useful information that the food industry could be used to develop healthy non-dairy beverages for vegetarians and consumers who are allergic to fermented dairy products
8. PA: The success of the portable electronic nose assessment of apples will help detect pathogens before apples are turned into juice or other processed products. The electronic nose would be used by industry as a first-step analysis of incoming product as part of a series of steps to eliminate pathogen contamination. Rapid methods for pathogen detection is important to secure the safety and security of the food supply chain. Efforts in this area are important to the public, federal agencies, processors, and farmers.
9. HI: Gautz, L D. A dryer utilizing a heat pump dehumidifier as an energy source for estate coffee production, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation&lsquo;s (HFBF) Agriculture Research and Marketing Development Program at $5,450. 2006-2007.
10. ME: Sustainable Bioproducts through Forest Biorefinery Principles. $10,465,000. NSF-EPSCoR. January 2006. (Shaler and Pendse, PDs; Donahue Co-PI).
11. ME: Wild Blueberry processing technologies. $18,632 (part of a $245,000 grant). USDA-CSREES-Blueberry tax funds. December 2005. D. W. Donahue.
12. MI-ARS:Lu, R. and R. M. Beaudry. Hyperspectral Reflectance and Fluorescence Scattering for Assessing Apple Fruit Maturity. Funded by Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission. $97,591. 2004-2006.
13. Rubino, M. J., R. Auras, S. Risch, S., and R. Lu. Evaluation and Improvement of the Michigan Red Delicious Appearance. Funded by Michigan Apple Committee. $27,666. 2006-2007.
14. MI-MSU: USDA-CSREES; Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program - Integrated Pest Management  Crops at Risk (CAR): "Development and optimization of pre- and post-harvest pest control strategies in cherries; a multi-tactic approach." Wise, Guyer, Dolan, Vandervoort, Wise, Whalon. $527,941 (3 yr-thru 07). (funded $310,000). Project GREEEN: (Michigan State University and State of Michigan.) "Cooling and water use efficiency in cherry handling", Guyer, - GR06-073 $9,250. Project GREEEN. "Developing a strategy in technology and automation for Michigan specialty crops", Guyer, Thornsbury, Lu, Srivastava GR06-034 $7,650. Project GREEEN. "Michigan&lsquo;s apples: better appearance for better value", Rubino, Auras, Risch, Lu, Guyer $53,615 (2-yr).
15. NY-Geneva: Our research has been supported by the USDA Regional Fund ($3,000) and the Federal Formula Initiative Fund ($15,000).
16. CA-Davis: The interactance measurement technique shows good potential for nondestructive measurement of flesh hue angle in clingstone peaches. The method will allow larger quantities (potentially all fruit) to be evaluated nondestructively, reducing sampling error issues associated with the current destructive method. The implementation of objective instrumental methods of determining the flesh color and firmness of clingstone peaches would be a valuable management tool for both peach growers and processors. The instrumental methods are fairly simple to operate, making it easier to train new peach inspectors. The sensor can measure ethanol concentration in about 15 seconds, allowing 100 fruit to be tested in less than one hour. These results indicate that it is possible to detect S. enterica Newport by real-time PCR with a simple glass capillary tube, a photodiode and signal conditioning circuitry.
17. MI-ARS: The hyperspectral imaging technique developed in this research allows for rapid determination of the optical properties of turbid food and agricultural products, which are largely absent in the literature. The optical properties collected from the research will be useful to researchers and instrumentation engineers in quality evaluation of food and agricultural products. The multispectral scattering technique achieved superior results in assessing fruit firmness, a key quality parameter for apples and many other horticultural products. The hyperspectral imaging technique showed great potential for assessing surface and internal defects of pickling cucumbers. The technique can be implemented in real time, which would provide the pickle industry a rapid, objective means for automated sorting and grading of pickling cucumbers to ensure consistent, high quality final pickled products.

Back to top