Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

1. To identify, develop, & evaluate methodologies to assess the quality of fruits and vegetables. CA: Methods to detect freeze damage in oranges were investigated. Internal gas measurements were able to distinguish the partially frozen fruit from unfrozen fruit. Differences in fruit drying rate between partially frozen & unfrozen oranges was observed. The impact of the research will be the development of a quantitative sensing technique that can be used by citrus growers to maintain quality for fruit reaching the market place during a freeze event. GA: A 6 hr delay in cooling muscadine grapes caused firmness losses of 20% compared to ones cooled immediately after harvest. Studies with blueberries showed significant differences from FirmTech II measurements due to berry orientation, instrument settings, berry diameter, & nonlinear force/deformation curves. The output of both studies includes: data for deciding if additional cooling equipment is necessary, documented need for standard procedures (for blueberries - calyx horizontal, 50 min & 150 max force, & the need to use only first measurement), evidence showing the limitations of not including diameter or a power on the deformation term. IN: Cornell University provided healthy onions & onions with interbacterial damage for magnetic resonance tests conducted at Purdue (Indiana). The CPMG T2 decay curves of onions were determined using a low field (5.35 MHz) proton magnetic resonance sensor. The T2 decay curves of 7 of the damaged onions were noticeably different from the T2 curves of healthy onions. The fact that the T2 curves of healthy onions are different from the T2 curves of onions with interbacterial damage suggests that, if a more rapid detection pulse sequence can be developed, 1H-MR sensing can be used for nondestructive on-line detection of onions with interbacterial damage. In collaboration with investigators at GA, A revision to ASAE Standard S368.4, on compression testing of food materials of convex shape, was made. MD: New machine vision algorithms were developed to increase the capability and accuracy of detection of apple defects. Dual NIR and MIR imaging methods along with wavelet image analyses were explored for the defect recognition. MI: Concept development studies are investigating potential multispectral wavelengths and imaging for detection of small larvae in cherries. This work is in collaboration with the USDA -- MI. NC: A sample of 540 blueberries were selected with one of six visual stages of maturity. Using a Neural Network trained on 180 berries (one rep) in all three positions, the predicted SS/Acid ratio is correlated to permit surface color sorters for blueberries to be easily converted to a maturity sorting algorithm that will eliminate the overripe blueberries (that spoil quickly) from the fresh market product. NY  GENEVA:The effects of calcium chloride solutions, pH, temperature and time on the storage modulus of Russet Burbank potato discs were continuously measured using a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer with a heating stage. Calcium chloride increased the storage modulus of Russet Burbank potatoes, with the most effective conditions being 700C and 0.10M calcium chloride. Pectin Methyl Esterase (PME) activity was measured at two calcium chloride concentrations, after 20, 40, and 60 min heating at temperatures from 40 to 800C. PME activity was higher at low heating temperatures (40-500C) but decreased linearly with heating temperature. Purified Beta-galactosidase from Einset Seedless grapes most active at pH 4.5. This enzyme could be used as a potential source of natural biocatalyst for the preparation of lactose-free dairy products. NY  ITHACA:An algorithm was developed for predicting the average trim waste by weight from measured bruise contact area of apples. USDA  MI: A study on using NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to measure the sugar content and firmness of sweet cherries has been completed with good accuracy. Results showed that a low cost, portable NIR sensor is capable of measuring the sugar content and possibly firmness of apples. A study using an InGaAs NIR area array detector to simultaneously acquire spectroscopic data at different locations from light source to predict fruit sugar content and firmness was begun. Results showed good predictions of the sugar content of apples but the firmness predictions were relatively poor. The NIR study will lead to the development of a low cost, portable sensor for measuring the sugar content and firmness of fruits. This sensor will provide a valuable tool for the grower to make better harvest decisions and will allow the fruit packer, inspector, and retailer to assess fruit postharvest quality more accurately and objectively. PA: Spectroscopic fingerprints of honey from different geographical regions and contamination levels to detect adulterated honey being sold to public was developed. Procedures used to assess hardness and texture of cheese have been applied to assess the quality of pork and beef muscles in a production process. The proposed technology will help the industry to provide consistent quality products to the consumers. FT-Raman spectroscopy and Fourier-transform photoacoustic spectroscopy has successfully discriminated pathogen (E. coli O157:H7) from non-pathogen (non-pathogenic E. coli). Utilization of portable electronic nose technology to assess biological contaminants in apples was initiated. In order to reduce spread of food-borne human pathogens. WA: A treatment protocol has been developed based on 27 MHz radio frequency energy to control insect pests in in-shell walnuts. Confirmation tests indicate that the protocol does not adversely affect product quality. Specific heat capacity, density, and thermal conductivity of sound and bruised apple tissues were measured to assess why apple bruises warm up more slowly than does surrounding sound tissue, making bruises visible with thermal imaging cameras. Thermal conductivity was found to be significantly higher in bruised tissue than in the sound tissue. Also 70 MPa high hydrostatic pressure closely simulated electrolyte leakage of apple tissue bruised by a drop of 150 mm onto a rigid surface. The RF treatment protocols may soon be used in the industry to replace chemical fumigation for quarantine or phytosanitary treatment of post-harvest nuts and fruits for international and intra-state trade. The method is environmental friendly and leaves no chemical residues on treated commodities. Thermal imaging to detect defects in fruits and vegetables provides another useful tool for quality assurance. The methods and devices developed for food thermal property measurements can be used in food process and quality control. Effects of changes in temperature, hydration and cultivar on bruise threshold and thus on how easily a specific crop will bruise during handling can now be predicted. 2. To develop sensor technology for quantitative measurement of fruit and vegetable properties indicative of quality. ME: Low maggot counts during the 2001 field season reduced the ability to classify the maggot versus non-maggot blueberries. Samples blueberries were provided by MI State and system trouble shooting was provided by UC Davis. Results show that it is possible to find differences between maggot and non-maggot berries at the 707, 976 and 1326 nm wavelengths. Maggot identification in the process line is important to Maine wild blueberry producers and processors as they have identified it as one of the top research areas in their 5-year plan for funding support. CA: A DNA sensor was developed for detection of Salmonella in sprout irrigation water. Initial calibration was done with the fluorescence optical sensor, which detected 0.01 _g/ml DNA in water and PCR product from as low as 4 x 102 CFU. Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 have been associated with at least eleven outbreaks involving sprouts since 1995. Robust and real-time sensors are needed to monitor the irrigation water during sprouting and detect contaminated lots. USDA  MI: A NIR hyperspectral imaging system was developed to detect bruises on apples. Relatively good bruise detection results were obtained with the correct classification rate of up to 94%. Optimal wavelengths and bandwidths were also identified for effective detection of bruises on apples. Research on hyperspectral imaging for bruise detection indicates that this technique has the potential for detecting surface defects of apples such as bruises which will aid in advanced fruit sorter development. WA: Work continues on instrumentation and techniques for assessing fruit and vegetable tissue impact properties including elastic modulus and bruise threshold to predict and control handling damage. 3. To develop methodologies for classification and sensor fusion which facilitate optimal fruit and vegetable quality discrimination. GA: Two hundred each of jumbo and small Vidalia onions were inspected using a linescan x-ray system at a rate of 1 to 2 fruits per second. The system functioned at 90%+ accuracy and false positive rate of 8% or less. X-ray linescan has an accuracy of 90%+ for internal quality evaluation. HI: In collaboration with UC-Davis, coffee samples from four distinct locations (islands) in Hawaii were scanned using near infrared spectroscopy (700-1200 nm). The ability to determine the location of origin from characteristics of the green bean will greatly enhance the specialty coffee market. This will be worth several million dollars to the U.S. coffee industry. IN: A conveyor system is being developed that will be capable of moving fruits and vegetables through the HMR sensor at speeds of 0 to 250 mm/sec. MI: Electronic sorting systems, designed primarily for color sorting, are being evaluated for their ability to remove Japanese beetles from the raw product stream of blueberries. Multispectral reflectance was integrated with fluorescence information from apple tissue for improving accuracy and capability of electronic sorting for apple defect detection and quantification. The development and modeling of a nondestructive system to measure apple firmness and correlate to the destructive Magnus-Taylor method is a study nearing completion. This project is investigating probe design and texture and incorporates a nondestructive minimal force focusing on the bioyield point of the tissue. USDA  MI has been collaborating on this project. Scientific unbiased evaluation of commercial equipment and development of new concepts to increase accuracy and capability of electronic sorting equipment assist the industry in making knowledgeable management decisions and provide supplemental strategies to assure insect- and defect-free product. NY  ITHACA: An apple conveying system that orients apples regardless of cultivar shape and presents the apple to the camera at a rate of 5 apples/second has been built and is currently being tested. An inspection station capable of internal and external inspection of each apple would provide a consistent method for apple quality evaluation for all apple markets. The new optics eliminated chromatic aberration and reduced light required compared to the previous optics used. WORK PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR The current project is scheduled to terminate during the year 2002. The project is being re-written with the following objectives, which will determine the work to be done: 1.Define and measure the engineering properties of fruits and vegetables and their functional relationships to quality. 2.Develop, evaluate and apply rapid non-destructive sensor technology for quantitative measurement of fruit and vegetable quality. 3.Develop, evaluate, and apply rapid sensing technologies to assure food safety including bio-security, purity, and integrity of produce. 4. Integrate sensor technologies with handling and storage systems to retain post harvest quality in fruits and vegetables.

Anon. 2001. Compression Test of Food Materials of Convex Shape. ASAE S368.4 DEC 00. IN: ASAE Standards, Published by The American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI.

Baritelle, A. L. and Hyde, G. M. 2001. Commodity Conditioning to Reduce Impact Bruising. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 21(3): 331-339 [Feb.]

Baritelle, A. L., G. M. Hyde, J. K. Fellman and J. Varith. 2001. Using 1-MCP to Inhibit the Influence of Ripening on Impact Properties of Pear and Apple Tissue. Postharvest Biology and Technology PBT 00.011, POSTEC 1807, in press.

Benoit, P. W., D. W. Donahue, A. A. Bushway, J. A. Storey, and T. M. Player. 2000. Surfactant Application System to Prevent Anthocyanin Leakage of IQF Blueberries. Journal of Food Quality, 23(3):271-282.

Bu-Contreras, R. and Rao, M. A. 2001. Influence of heating conditions and starch on the storage modulus of Russet Burbank and Yukon Gold potatoes. J. Sci. Food and Agriculture (In press).

Bu-Contreras, R. and M. A. Rao. 2001. Influence of Heating Conditions and Starch Content on the Storage Modulus of Russet Burbank and Yukon Gold Potatoes. Abstract 44B-7, IFT Annual Meeting, June 23-27, New Orleans, LA.

Bu-Contreras, R. and M. A. Rao. 2001. Influence of Pectin Methyl Esterase Activity and Calcium Chloride Solutions on the Storage Modulus of Russet Burbank Potatoes during Heating. Abstract 44B-6, IFT Annual Meeting, June 23-27, New Orleans, LA.

Cheng, X. and Y. Tao. 2001. Infrared Imaging and Wavelet-Based Segmentation Method for Apple Defect Inspection. ASAE paper 01-3109.

Donahue D. W. 2000. Research results and 5-year plan for 2000-2001. Final Report to the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine, University of Maine, Orono, Maine. February and October.

Guyer, D.E., and Yang, X. 2000. Use of genetic artificial neural networks and spectral imaging for defect detection on cherries. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. Vol 29: p 179-194.

Hang, Y.D. and Woodams, E.E. 2001. Purification and charaterization of grape beta-galactosidase. Paper No. 44C-1. IFT Annual Meeting Book of Abstracts. Institute of Food Technologists. Chicago.

Hung, Y.-C., S.E. Prussia, and G.O.I. Ezeike. 2001. Firmness-measurement methods. Chapter 7 (pp. 243-285), In Nondestructive Food Evaluation, S. Gunasekaran (ed.), Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, NY.

Ikediala, J.N., Hansen, J., Tang, J., Drake, S.R., Wang, S. 2001. Quarantine treatment of cherries using radio frequency energy and saline-water-immersion technique. Postharvest Biology and Technology, in press.

Long, D. W., F. A. Drummond, E. Groden, and D. W. Donahue. 2000. Modeling Beauveria bassiana Horizontal Transmission. Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 2:19-32.

Lu, R, Guyer, D.E., Beaudry, R.M. 2000. Determination of firmness and sugar content of apples using near-infrared diffuse reflectance. Journal of Texture Studies. Vol 31: p 615-630.

Lu, R. 2001. Develop of a low cost, portable NIR sensor for assessing internal quality of apples. In the Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium on Fruit, Vegetable, and Nuts Production Engineering, Potsdam, Germany, September 10-15, 2001.

Lu, R. 2001. Predicting firmness and sugar content of sweet cherries using near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Transactions of the ASAE (in print).

Lu, R. 2001. Detection of bruises on apples using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging. ASAE Paper No. 01-3127.

Lu, R. and D. Ariana. 2001. A near-infrared sensing technique for measuring firmness and sugar content of apples. ASAE Paper No. 01-6033.

Lu, R., D. E. Guyer, and R. M. Beaudry. 2000. Determination of firmness and sugar content of apples using near-infrared diffuse reflectance. Journal of Texture Studies: 31: 615-630.

Lu. R. 2001. Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy for nondestructive measurement of firmness and sugar content of sweet cherries. 2001 IFT Annual Meeting Book of Abstracts, p.123.

Potts, S.J., D.C. Slaughter, and J.F. Thompson. In press. Measuring mold infestation in raw tomato juice. J. Food Science.

Potts, S.J., J.F. Thompson, and D.C. Slaughter 2001. The effect of fungal species on the fluorescent lectin test. J. Microbiological Methods 46:187-191.

Rohrbach, R.P., Chris Barnhart and C.M. Mainland. 2001. Rapid chemical analysis of blueberries using transmitted light. Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium on Fruit, Nut, and Vegetable Production Engineering, September 11-14, 2001, Potsdam, Federal Republic of Germany.

Tang, J. Feng, H. and Lau. Ming. 2001. Microwave heating in food processing, In Advances in Agricultural Engineering, (eds.) Young, X., Tang, J., World Scientific Publisher, New York, in press.

Tetteh, M.K., S.E. Prussia, B.P. Verma, and D.S. NeSmith. 2001. Blueberry firmness measurements by FirmTech II and Hertz contact theory. ASAE technical paper #01-6089.

Throop, J. A., D. J. Aneshansley, B. Anger. 2000. Multispectral imaging station detects defects on apples. Photonics East 2000, Conference 4203-Biological Quality and Precision Agriculture II, Nov. 7-8,2000, Boston, MA, SPIE, Bellingham, WA.

Throop, J. A., D. J. Aneshansley, B. L. Upchurch, and B. Anger. 2001. Apple orientation on two conveyors: performance and predictability based on shape characteristics of apples. Transactions ASAE Vol. 44(1):99-109.

Tollner, E.W. and A.S. Muhammad. 2001. X-ray imaging for classifying food products based on internal defects. Chapter 4 (pp. 137-164), In Nondestructive Food Evaluation, S. Gunasekaran (ed.), Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, NY.

Wang, S. and Tang, J. 2001. Radio frequency and microwave alternative treatments for insect control in nuts: a review. International Agricultural Engineering Journal, in press.

Wang, S., Ikediala, J., Tang, J., J Hansen, J.D. 2001. Thermal death kinetics and heating rate effects for 5th instar codling moth larvae (Cydia pomonella (L.)). J. Stored Products Research, in press.

Wang, S., Ikediala, J.N., Tang, J., Hansen, J.D., Mictham, E., Mao, R., Swanson, B. 2001. Radio frequency treatments to control codling moth in in-shell walnuts. Post-harvest Biology and Technology 22 (1):29-38.

Wang, S., Tang, J., Cavalieri, R. 2001. Modeling fruit internal heating rates for hot air and hot water treatments. Post-harvest Biology and Technology 22(3):257-270.

Wang, S., Tang, J., Judy A. Johnson, Hansen, J.D. 2001. Thermal death kinetics of 5th instar navel orangeworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae. J. Stored Products Research, in press.

Ziegler, C.R., D.W. Donahue, F.A. Drummond, and S.N. Smith. 2000. Agrelation: a computerized decision-making tool for Colorado potato beetle population management and environmental quality concerns. Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station Technical Bulletin No. 176.