Data di Pubblicazione:
2024
Citazione:
Miniaturize proximal sensor for medium-sized fruit senescence / A. Pampuri, V. Giovenzana, A. Tugnolo, S. Vignati, M. Menegon, A. Casson, A.D. Narote, R. Beghi, R. Guidetti. ((Intervento presentato al convegno The Sustainability of Food Supply Chains: Theories, Tools, Procedures and Empirical Analysis : 11-12 April tenutosi a Parma nel 2024.
Abstract:
Introduction. In recent years, the integration of advanced technologies into the agricultural and food industries has become a driving force for innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Among the new technologies, spectroscopy has emerged as a promising tool, demonstrating its efficacy in the analysis of agricultural products. This technique holds the potential to revolutionize the way we monitor and manage the quality of fruits, offering a viable solution to address challenges in the agro-food sector, particularly in minimizing waste and optimizing resource utilization. Spectroscopy involves the study of the interactions between matter and electromagnetic radiation. In the context of agriculture, it has proven to be a versatile tool for assessing the physical and chemical properties of various crops. The use of spectroscopic techniques in agriculture is not a recent development; however, advancements in technology have pushed its application to new heights, making it an indispensable asset for precision farming and quality control.
Within this project the focus was to apply a cost-effective portable optical prototype designed for monitoring the ripening and senescence of medium-sized fruits and to compare its performances with a reliable and more complex benchtop instrument. This prototype represents a significant step forward in the field of spectroscopy, particularly in its simplified design and its potential applicability for real-time monitoring especially if used by supply chain operators or even in the future by the end users of the products.
The medium-sized matrices taken into consideration in the experimentation include Fuji apples, Passacrassana pears, Dottato figs, and kiwis, presenting a diverse array of samples for a comprehensive analysis of the ripening process.
One of the strengths of spectroscopy lies in its ability to acquire a wide range of data deriving from the interaction of light with matter and without destroying the samples. The prototype used in the experimentation works with a limited number of wavelengths (18) ranging from 410 to 940 nanometers, covering both the visible spectrum range and part of the near-infrared range. This allows you to obtain rather complete readouts of the fruit and to be able to take into consideration various parameters related to ripening and not just the color changes that occur in the peel (as some simple instruments available on the market do). The idea is to obtain, with a relatively simple tool, a complete description of the maturation process, from its nascent stages to its final decay.
The application of spectroscopy in the agricultural domain has already gained significant traction due to its numerous advantages. It enables non-destructive testing, meaning that the quality and characteristics of fruits can be assessed without compromising their integrity. This non-invasive approach is especially critical for preserving the market value of the produce and ensuring that the end consumer receives a product of optimal quality.
In addition to the immediate benefits of real-time monitoring, the project plans to give operators the ability to manage batches effectively, classify products and educate consumers on the quality of the fruit they purchase. This leap would transform the prototype from a diagnostic tool to a tool with far-reaching implications for the agri-food industry.
The integration of spectroscopy with some food management practices could represent a turning point in the attempt to reduce waste. By providing information on the state of ripeness and some quality parameters, this technology could provide stakeholders with the knowledge needed to make decisions regarding harvesting, storage and distribution. This, in turn, could significantly reduce the ve
Tipologia IRIS:
14 - Intervento a convegno non pubblicato
Elenco autori:
A. Pampuri, V. Giovenzana, A. Tugnolo, S. Vignati, M. Menegon, A. Casson, A.D. Narote, R. Beghi, R. Guidetti
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