Title: Prediction of intact nectarine quality using a Vis/NIR portable spectrometer

Authors: Jose Antonio Cayuela

Addresses: Department of Physiology and Technology of Plant Products, Instituto de la Grasa – CSIC, Avda. Padre Garcia Tejero, 4, 41012, Sevilla, Spain

Abstract: A commercial visible-near infrared spectrometer was tested for intact nectarine quality prediction using partial least squares calibrations. Soluble solids content, firmness, fruit weight and colour index were analysed in each fruit. External validation carried out indicated good predictive performance, particularly for soluble solids content and fruit firmness. These parameters are of key importance in strategies for nectarine post-harvest handling and for nectarine harvest scheduling. RPD values were 2.66, 2.14, 1.95 and 1.67 for soluble solids content, fruit weight, fruit firmness and fruit colour index. R values were 0.95, 0.94, 0.91 and 0.81 and RMSEC values represent 6.78%, 8.77%, 10.39% and 8.8% for the same parameters. These values indicate a good predictive potential.

Keywords: colour; fruit weight; nectarine quality; near infrared; NIR spectroscopy; soluble solids content; prediction; portable; fruit firmness; intact nectarines; postharvest handling; nectarine harvest scheduling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2011.041036

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2011 Vol.2 No.2, pp.131 - 144

Published online: 18 Feb 2015 *

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