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AN ACCURATE, LOW COST FIRMNESS MEASURING INSTRUMENT
R G Diener1, F E Sobotka1, A E Watada1
1College of Agriculture and Forestry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, W. Virg. 26506, U. S. A.
Journal of Texture Studies
|April 4, 2017
Summary
A new, low-cost automatic instrument accurately measures fruit firmness, aiding research on factors affecting firmness in cherries and tomatoes. This device offers a reliable alternative to expensive testing machines for agricultural studies.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Engineering
- Food Science
- Horticulture
Background:
- Fruit firmness is a critical quality attribute influencing consumer acceptance and shelf life.
- Existing firmness measurement tools can be expensive and complex for widespread use in research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a low-cost, automated instrument for measuring fruit firmness.
- To assess the instrument's performance using cherries and tomatoes.
- To investigate factors influencing tomato firmness.
Main Methods:
- Assembly of an automated firmness measuring instrument using commercially available components.
- Modification of the original P-L Meter design.
- Application of the instrument to measure firmness in cherries and tomatoes.
- Analysis of tomato firmness in relation to fruit size, cultivar, protopectin content, and enzyme activity (polygalacturonase, cellulase).
Main Results:
- The developed instrument provides reliable firmness measurements for cherries and tomatoes.
- Tomato firmness was correlated with fruit size, cultivar, protopectin content, and the activity of polygalacturonase and cellulase.
- Instrument readings showed favorable comparison with the Instron Universal Testing machine.
Conclusions:
- The low-cost, automated instrument is a viable tool for fruit firmness assessment in research settings.
- The study provides insights into factors affecting tomato firmness, crucial for breeding and post-harvest management.
- This instrument offers an accessible method for agricultural and food science research.
