Progress 07/01/10 to 06/30/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Specialty crop industries, including chestnut, pawpaw, tart cherry, carrot, potato, asparagus. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This broad umbrella project provided the opportunity to more closely learn some of the challenges toward sustainability and profitability that exist within specialty crops industries.It additionally provided the opportunity to learn about computed tomography and other electro/optic technology as well as it as a potentially emerging tool for agriculture/food applications and needs.This project also worked to provide graduate, undergraduate, and postdoctoral research associate opportunities to expand professional development through learning new tools, data analysis, and interacting with peer professionals.Finally, the project provided the opportunity to collaborate internationally and experience production and research systems in other parts of the world. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The projects have all been shared with interested commodity organizations through in-field demonstrations and industry-level presentations and often working collaboratively on projects with stakeholders.Additionally, project activities and findings have been disseminated in archived journal articles and project reports. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Toward sub-objective 1: Non-destructive sensing of specialty crops was carried over into this project's early year's period with specific emphasis on novel use and identification of optimal measurement energies and parameters implementing Computed Tomography (CT) imaging for discerning internal defects in chestnuts.The work expanded to address additional challenges of imaging and defect detection and quality determination in carrot and asparagus in an effort to expand the potential and opportunity for the technology and increase interest for commercial development.Once the concept was proven and demonstrated in experimental research, the effort turned to focus on identifying technology via commercial-based dedicated instrument development companies to further advance and implement the concept.While the concept can conduct detection that is needed in the specialty crop industry beyond what other commercial systems can do, or do as effectively, the concept is most likely in need of the latest developments in ultra-fast CT imaging technology which is now emerging and can be faster and operate continuously which is critical compared to conventional CT imaging.This project has recently been tangentially involved in working with a specialty crop importer/exporter with special interest in chestnut and also with a commercial sorting/measurement technology entity to potentially move this concept to feasible commercially available technology. Toward sub-objective 2: A brown rot fungus identified as Gnomoniopsis has emerged in the Michigan commercial chestnut production industry causing significant market loses. This project has begun collaboration with a plant pathologist to address the issue both in the field and more specifically for this project, via postharvest treatment to minimize its impact.Heat treatment via warm water bath was selected and evaluated at different temperatures after varied cold storage and holding periods. Cold storage is a primary inhibitor of the growth of this brown rot, however, it cannot be expected that the chestnuts will always be optimally handled in the supply chain and at the consumer. Preliminary tests demonstrated the postharvest growth of brown rot could be significantly reduced with heat treatment when the chestnuts were not optimally stored/handled. Proposals for further investigation into the fungal organism and its presence in the orchard and vector into the chestnut as well as further heat treatment study were developed and approved and thus further study to mitigate this challenge is planned into the new umbrella project. Advancing chestnut harvest concepts with focus on Michigan sized producers has been a low-level but continuous domain of research and development under this project over it's entire duration with consideration given to new concept development and also scaling and efficiency in more conventional approaches; and additionally pursuing study and funding to investigate small-scale automation and/or harvest-assist as well as more advanced concepts such as small-scale co-robotics.This programming has addressed the challenge of Michigan and many other U.S. producers are of size that cannot incorporate the capital cost of currently available commercial systems yet are too large for unassisted human manual harvest. Pawpaw production has potential as an agroforestry and sustainable low-input food source as well as a production diversity-adding commodity for specialty crop producers. It additionally has some unique consumer health opportunities. However, handling is a challenge as it is easily damaged and relatively highly perishable.A strong opportunity is to process the fruit, but the present challenge is the need to remove the peel before transitioning to puree.This project led a team of students, faculty, and stakeholders to study and pursue concepts for effective and efficient peel removal. Results found a freeze and minimal thaw approach was very effective and significantly increased the efficiency and effectiveness of manual removal of the skin while also being a process that has potential for automating if the size of production warrants.Without a means to feasibly handle and process pawpaws, this commodity has limited potential for expanded utilization and growth. In the final two years this project became involved into supporting the chestnut industry beyond the realm of harvest and postharvest and working on advancement of plant propagation techniques and technology, including tissue culture cloning, for the dual purpose of increasing well controlled quality commercial plant availability in addition to gaining improved control on plant material for studies/research on various negative chestnut industry vectors such as winter hardiness, detrimental insects, and blight and fungal occurrences.Work under this specific project sub-domain has been supplemental to, and in collaboration with, thePlant Biotechnology Resource & Outreach Center,Department of Horticulture, which has developed new successful approaches to culturing; with this project's focus on efforts to move the tissue culture beyond the lab and into further growth stage optimization and field study and practical and commercial implementation for the industry. Toward sub-objective 3: A new revolutionized approach to more uniformly and more efficiently cool tart cherries (high volume-short duration versus rather ineffective low volume-long duration industry standard used by the industry for over 50 years) has been successfully developed in past years of this project with grower cooperation. During the period covered by this final report the project continued to be involved in expanded implementation and transfer of information and design to the industry.The developed system reduces water use and improves uniformity of cooling within holding tanks. Toward sub-objective 4: The tart cherry canopy shaking Over-the-Row (OTR) concept was studied, demonstrated and reported under this project in the first half of the duration and in collaboration with the Horticulture Dept in an effort to improve environmental and economic industry sustainability. The research demonstrated that under this dwarfing and high-density plant system and OTR harvesting, orchards can come into production at a much earlier orchard life stage than those utilizing trunk shaking (up to 3 years sooner resulting in earlier production returns) and the production results in as high or higher yields.The increased initial cost of higher density orchard establishment showed to be more than offset by increased and earlier production. It was also felt that OTR is less negatively impactful on the tree versus trunk shaking; and the canopy shaking utilized in OTR was hypothesized to likely be less damaging to the fruit. The potential for fruit damage was assessed using a cherry-sized instrumentation impact measuring device, in collaboration with Univ. of Georgia, which was attached to the tree and run through the trunk shaking and OTR harvesting systems and, rather surprisingly, the fruit damage difference was found to be similar.A negative is the need for capital cost of some equipment change-over and potential for disease to be more easily vectored through the orchard with a canopy shaking system.The outcome and status is that at least two innovative and proactive-type growers have found strong potential in the concept and are continuing to work with it, including both developing prototype machines and orchard systems. Outputs in general have been a combination of advancements in basic and applied knowledge and under some objectives the output is moving toward prototype, adopted, and/or commercialized technology working in the field/industry.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Guoqing Song, Qiuxia Chen, Pete Callow, Mario Mandujano, Xiaoyan Han, Beatriz Cuenca, Gregory Bonito, Carmen Medina-Mora, Dennis W. Fulbright, Daniel E. Guyer. 2020. Efficient Micropropagation of Chestnut Hybrids (Castanea spp.) Using Modified Woody Plant Medium and Zeatin Riboside. Horticultural Plant Journal (2020), doi:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpj.2020.09.006
|
Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Specialty crop industries, including tart cherry, carrot, potato, asparagus, paw-paw, and chestnut. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This broad umbrella project has provided the opportunity to more closely learn some of the challenges toward sustainability and profitability that exist within specialty crops industries. It additionally continues to provide the opportunity to learn about computed tomography and other electro/optic technology as well as it as a potentially emerging tool for agriculture/food applications and needs. This project also works to provide graduate, undergraduate, and postdoctoral research associate opportunities to expand professional development through learning new tools and interacting with peer professionals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The projects have all been shared with interested commodity organizations through in-field demonstrations and industry-level presentations. Additionally, project activities and findings have been disseminated in archived journal articles and project reports. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The past sensing studies have resulted in positive fundamental and proof of concept findings and thus, ideally, the next step remains to establish some level of commercialization potential through a collaboration with applied technology development entities. It is felt that significant proof-of-concept and multiple applications have been demonstrated and system parameters defined. This will be a challenge as it is felt technology entities are interested in the food industry, however, biological variability and profit potential in this domain challenge further development. Search for application and advancement will continue with possible opportunities with importer, which surfaced last year. Systems and technology support for chestnut processing, handling, and harvest will be pursued and the new focus on plant propagation techniques and technology to maximize efficiency will increase in effort under this project. The revolutionized cherry production system project is a long-term effort. This programming, which partially falls under this NIFA project, has introduced and demonstrated potential for such a production system to the industry; and several commercial producers are experimenting with systems and hardware on their own. No further work on the OTR system is currently planned under this project. The potential for CT to serve and be incorporated into biological/physiological plant and disease studies in a collaborative effort for quantification of dependent variable measurement remains as a potential opportunity but no solid plan exists for such at this point for the coming year. Additionally, a new focus has emerged to study the health/nutritional characteristics of Michigan paw paws and various treatments that affect such characteristics as well as study the optimal harvest and postharvest handling coupled with fruit physiology. A challenge for advancing the processing industry exists in peel removal and an effort this year is planned to investigate and/or design systems to accomplish this task.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Toward sub-objective 1: No direct studies were conducted in this reporting period under this sub-objective related to non-destructive sensing of specialty crops. However, an informal relationship was established with a US-based commodity import company interested in advancing the successful electronic sensing concept and capabilities developed under this project for chestnuts, as a critical need exists for such. Efforts are being made by the import entity to draw interest and partnership from technology development entities in possible commercial development of systems based on the Computed Tomography concept demonstrated under this project. The challenge remains in demonstrating commercial feasibility under apparent limited application. Toward sub-objective 2: Preliminary studies were conducted and presented to the chestnut industry on possible postharvest treatment processes to reduce development of an emerging brown rot fungus (Gnomoniopsis) internal to chestnuts. Heat treatment via warm water bath was selected and evaluated at different temperatures and found to reduce the severity of damage caused by the presence of this organism after varied cold storage periods. Cold storage is a primary inhibitor of the growth of this brown rot, however, it cannot be expected that the chestnuts will always be optimally handled in the supply chain and at the consumer. Preliminary tests demonstrated the postharvest growth of brown rot could be significantly reduced with heat treatment when the chestnuts were not optimally stored/handled. Physical water-bath heat treatment systems appropriate for the Michigan chestnut industry, now and into the short-term future, were investigated and proposed. Proposals for further investigation into the fungal organism and its presence in the orchard and vector into the chestnut as well as further heat treatment study were developed and approved and thus further study to mitigate this challenge is planned. Advancing chestnut harvest concepts developed under this project as well as potential new concepts remain as efforts and goals with consideration of scaling and efficiency in more conventional approaches as well as pursuing study and funding to investigate small-scale automation and co-robotics. Significant work and trials this year went into supporting the chestnut industry beyond the realm of harvest and postharvest and working on advancement of plant propagation techniques and technology, including tissue culture cloning, for the dual purpose of increasing well controlled quality commercial plant availability in addition to gaining improved control on plant material for studies/research on various negative chestnut industry vectors such as winter hardiness, detrimental insects, and blight and fungal occurrences. Work under this specific project is tangential and in collaboration with the Plant Biotechnology Resource & Outreach Center, Department of Horticulture, which has developed new approaches; and our efforts move the tissue culture beyond the lab and into further growth stage optimization and field study and practical implementation for the industry. Toward sub-objective 3: A new revolutionized approach to more uniformly and more efficiently cool tart cherries (high volume-short duration versus low volume-long duration industry standard) has been successfully developed in past years of this project with grower cooperation and continues to see expanded implementation but needs continued improved transfer of information and design to the industry. Toward sub-objective 4: No direct experimentation or study related to this sub-objective. The tart cherry canopy shaking Over-the-Row concept was demonstrated and reported under this project in previous years and the outcome and status is that at least two innovative and proactive-type growers have found strong potential in the concept and are continuing to work with it, including both developing prototype machines and orchard systems.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Rady, A., Guyer, D., Kirk, W. Donis-Gonzalez, I. 2019. Prediction of the leaf primordia of potato tubers using sensor fusion and wavelength selection. J. of Imaging. 5,10; doi: 10.3380/jimaging5010010
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Fulbright, D., Mandujano, M., Medina-Mora, C., Lizotte, E., Guyer, D., Donis-Gonzalez, I., Jarosz, A., Springer, J. and Blackwell, R. 2018. Establishing a successful chestnut industry in Michigan: some problem solving strategies. Acta Horticulture. ISHS 2018. DOI 10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1220.23
|
Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Specialty crop industries, including tart cherry, carrot, potato, asparagus, paw-paw, and chestnut. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This broad umbrella project has provided the opportunity to more closely learn some of the challenges toward sustainability and profitability that exist within specialty crops industries. It additionally continues to provide the opportunity to learn about computed tomography and other electro/optic technology as well as it as a potentially emerging tool for agriculture/food applications and needs. This project also works to provide graduate, undergraduate, and postdoctoral research associate opportunities to expand professional development through learning new tools and interacting with peer professionals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The cherry, chestnut, asparagus, and carrot projects have all been shared with interested communities through in-field demonstrations and industry-level presentations. Additionally, project activities and findings have been disseminated in archived journal articles and project reports. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The sensing studies have resulted in positive fundamental and proof of concept findings and thus, ideally, the next step is to establish some level of commercialization potential through a collaboration with applied technology development entities. It is felt that significant proof-of-concept and multiple applications have been demonstrated and system parameters defined. This will be a challenge as it is felt technology entities are interested in the food industry, however, biological variability and profit potential in this domain challenge further development. Continued search for application and advancement will be the plan for the next reporting period. Opportunities to support chestnut processing, handling, and harvest will be pursued and the new focus on plant propagation techniques and technology to maximize efficiency will increase in effort under this project. The revolutionized cherry production system project is a long-term effort. This programming, which partially falls under this NIFA project has introduced and demonstrated potential for such a production system to the industry and several commercial producers are experimenting with systems and hardware on their own. No further work on the OTR system is currently planned under this project. The potential for CT to serve and be incorporated into biological/physiological plant and disease studies in a collaborative effort for quantification of dependent variable measurement remains as a potential opportunity. Additionally, a new focus has emerged to study the health/nutritional characteristics of Michigan paw paws and various treatments which affect such characteristics as well as study the optimal harvest and postharvest handling coupled with fruit physiology.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Toward sub-objective 1: Informal dissemination of success in previous Computed Tomography (CT) studies under this project applied to specialty crops for nondestructive internal defect determination continues with strong interest expressed by multiple crop industries in terms of the need for such. Search for additional application domains continue so as to develop added justification for further development by hardware development entities. Toward sub-objective 2: Continuation of searching for opportunities to advance beyond successful electronic quality evaluation concepts developed in previous years of this project toward prototype development with potential technology partners as well as advancing chestnut harvest concepts developed under this project remain as goals pending development of interest from key partners to assist in next generation machines as well as funding for such. This reporting year also involved considerable assistance to the improvements in design and equipment for the chestnut cooperative postharvest handling and receiving line. A new focus this year has been supporting the chestnut industry beyond the realm of harvest and postharvest and working on advancement of plant propagation techniques, including tissue culture cloning, and technology for the dual purpose of increasing well controlled quality commercial plant availability in addition to gaining improved control on plant material for studies/research on various negative chestnut industry vectors such as winter hardiness, detrimental insects, and blight and fungal occurrences. Toward sub-objective 3: A new revolutionized approach to more uniformly and more efficiently cool tart cherries has been successfully developed in past years of this project with grower cooperation and continues to see expanded implementation but needs continued improved transfer of information and design to the industry. Toward sub-objective 4: Minimal involvement this year on a long-term multi-year project to move tart cherry production and harvest to over-the-row (OTR) canopy-based harvest systems. This year focused on further evaluation of cherry quality comparison between traditionally versus OTR harvested cherries using data collected in 2017 using a small instrumented sphere, developed at the University of Georgia Biological and Ag. Engineering Department, capable of measuring forces of impacts, which was hung within tree systems and was "harvested" along with fruit harvest. Impacts in both severity and number were measured under multiple harvest and production systems. Fruit and the instrumented sphere were also dropped at controlled heights and the fruit was assessed for the damage so as to calibrate the impacts to damage occurring in the orchard harvests. The data has shown the number of impacts is greater in the canopy shaking system, however, due to nearly all the impacts occurring above the maximum capacity/capability of the instrumented sphere, the hypothesis that the severity of each impact being lower within the canopy harvest system could not be verified. This project is a combination of integrating canopy harvesting with new plant structures and is thus a collaboration between engineers and horticulturalists. Past machine tests have demonstrated a high level of potential for canopy harvest with spindle shaker systems and commercial manufacturers and cherry producers are showing increasing interest and collaboration. The project also involves tree training, rootstock, and scion test orchards/plots to develop a plant system that is optimal for long-term compatibility with canopy shaking. This sub-project of this umbrella project is demonstrating a synergistic optimization and overall systems approach toward a cherry production system that has good potential to positively impact profitability, environmental sustainability, and product quality in an industry where current production sustainability is relatively strained. Efficient fruit capture and handling on the harvester are identified as future mechanical aspects of focus and grower-cooperators are undertaking some system development on their own.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Rady, A., Guyer, D.E., Kirk, W., Donis-Gonzlez, I. 2018. The potential application of sensor fusion and wavelength selection on prediction of leaf primordia of potato tubers. ASABE Annual Meeting. Detroit, Michigan. Paper #180091.
|
Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Specialty crop industries, including tart cherry, carrot, potato, asparagus, paw-paw, and chestnut. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This broad umbrella project has provided the opportunity to more closely learn some of the challenges toward sustainability and profitability that exist within specialty crops industries. It additionally continues to provide the opportunity to learn about computed tomography and other electro/optic technology as well as it as a potentially emerging tool for agriculture/food applications and needs. This project also works to provide graduate, undergraduate, and a post doctoral research associate opportunities to expand professional development through learning new tools and interacting with peer professionals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The cherry, chestnut, asparagus, and carrot projects have all been shared with interested communities through in-field demonstrations and industry-level presentations. Additionally, project activities and findings have been disseminated in archived journal articles and project reports. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The sensing studies have resulted in positive fundamental and proof of concept findings and thus, ideally, the next step is to establish some level of commercialization potential through a collaboration with applied technology development entities. It is felt that significant proof-of-concept and multiple applications have been demonstrated and system parameters defined. This will be a challenge as it is felt technology entities are interested in the food industry, however, biological variability and profit potential in this domain challenge further development. Continued search for application and advancement will be the plan for the next reporting period. Opportunities to support chestnut processing, handling, and harvest will be pursued. The revolutionized cherry production system project is a long-term effort. Work this coming season is expected to continue to focus on evaluating mechanical harvest performance in the various plant structure/training trials, possibly replicating using/implementing available miniature impact sensing devices. The potential for CT to serve and be incorporated into biological/physiological plant and disease studies in a collaborative effort for quantification of dependent variable measurement remains as a potential opportunity. Additionally, a new focus has emerged to study the health/nutritional characteristics of Michigan paw paws and various treatments which affect such characteristics.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Toward sub-objective 1: The primary research associate involved with the automated/electronic quality characteristics study and concept development transferred to a very nice faculty position at another institution and thus new application and advancements of CT sensing have been stalled and new direction and opportunities and/or personnel are being explored. Finalizing a publication on the most recent study and seeking new applications and development in this domain are the current foci. Toward sub-objective 2: Continuation of searching for opportunities to advance beyond successful electronic quality evaluation concepts developed in previous years of this project toward prototype development with potential technology partners as well as advancing chestnut harvest concepts developed under this project remain as goals pending development of interest from key partners to assist in next generation machines as well as funding for such. This reporting year also involved considerable assistance to the improvements in design and equipment for the chestnut cooperative postharvest handling and receiving line. Toward sub-objective 3: A new revolutionized approach to more uniformly and more efficiently cool tart cherries has been successfully developed with grower cooperation and continues to see expanded implementation but needs continued improved transfer of information and design to the industry. Toward sub-objective 4: This year's effort on a long-term multi-year project to move tart cherry production and harvest to over-the-row (OTR) systems focused on cherry quality comparison between traditionally versus OTR harvested cherries. For the 2017 season, a small instrumented sphere, developed at the University of Georgia Biological and Ag. Engineering Department, capable of measuring forces of impacts was hung within tree systems and was "harvested" along with fruit harvest. Impacts in both severity and number were measured under multiple harvest and production systems. Fruit and the instrumented sphere were also dropped at controlled heights and the fruit was assessed for the damage so as to calibrate the impacts to damage occurring in the orchard harvests. Data is currently being analyzed from the 2017 season. This project is a combination of integrating canopy harvesting with new plant structures and is thus a collaboration between engineers and horticulturalists. Past machine tests have demonstrated a high level of potential for canopy harvest with spindle shaker systems and commercial manufacturers and cherry producers are showing increasing interest and collaboration. The project also involves tree training, rootstock, and scion test orchards/plots to develop a plant system that is optimal for long-term compatibility with canopy shaking. This sub-project of this umbrella project is demonstrating a synergistic optimization and overall systems approach toward a cherry production system that has good potential to positively impact profitability, environmental sustainability, and product quality in an industry where current production sustainability is relatively strained. Efficient fruit capture and handling on the harvester are identified as future mechanical aspects of focus.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Donis-Gonz�lez, I.R., Guyer, D.E., Lu, R. 2016. Postharvest assessment of undesirable fibrous tissue (choking hazard) in fresh processing carrots using Vis/NIR hyperspectral images. Proceedings for 3rd International Conference on Fresh-Cut Produce: Maintaining Quality and Safety Sept. 13-18, 2015. Acta Horticulturae 1141 ISHS 2016. DOI 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1141.21.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Donis-Gonzalez, I.R., Jeong, S., Guyer, D.E., Fulbright, D. 2017. Microbial contamination in peeled chestnut and the efficiency of post-processing treatments for microbial spoilage management. J. Food Processing and Preservation. Vol. 41: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jfpp.12874
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Rady, A.M., Guyer, D.E. 2017. Classification of potato tubers based on sprouting activity using VIS/NIR spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Rady, A.M., Guyer, D.E. 2017. Application of sensor data fusion for quality evaluation of potato. Postharvest Biology and Technology.
|
Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Specialty crop industries, including tart cherry, carrot, potato, asparagus, paw-paw, and chestnut. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This broad umbrella project has provided the opportunity to more closely learn some of the challenges toward sustainability and profitability that exist within specialty crops industries. It additionally continues to provide the opportunity to learn about computed tomography and other electro/optic technology as well as it as a potentially emerging tool for agriculture/food applications and needs. This project also works to provide graduate, undergraduate, and a post doctoral research associate opportunities to expand professional development through learning new tools and interacting with peer professionals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The cherry, chestnut, and carrot asparagus project have all been shared with interested communities through in-field demonstrations and industry-level presentations. Additionally, project activities and findings have been disseminated in archived journal articles and project reports. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The sensing studies have resulted in positive fundamental and proof of concept findings and thus, ideally, the next step is to establish some level of commercialization potential through a collaboration with applied technology development entities. It is felt that significant proof-of-concept and multiple applications have been demonstrated and system parameters defined. This will be a challenge as it is felt technology entitles are interested in the food industry, however, biological variability and profit potential in this domain challenge further development. Opportunities to support both chestnut processing and harvest will be pursued. The revolutionized cherry production system project is a long-term effort. Work this coming season is expected to continue to focus on evaluating mechanical harvest performance in the various plant structure/training trials likely using/implementing available miniature impact sensing devices. The potential for CT to serve and be incorporated into biological/physiological plant and disease studies in a collaborative effort for quantification of dependent variable measurement remains as a potential opportunity.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Toward sub-objective 1: Significant continuing focus on this project for the past year was the data analysis, reporting, and publishing of a funded study with several hundred field-collected samples to investigate the potential for Computed Tomography (CT) and transmission spectroscopy to detect undesirable fibrous characteristics of asparagus. Results suggest a potential to detect, at least extreme cases, fibrous tissue containing sections of the spears with CT classifications as high as 98% for CT and somewhat less (~80%) with transmission spectroscopy. The resolution used in the study demonstrated strong classification results. It is possible higher resolution CT would have even greater potential for discerning the undesirable tissue and this is a possible future study. This project is directed at the industry-wide challenge of sorting for fibrous/stringy tissue in fresh or processing asparagus as it results in unpleasant or inedible spears and hurts consumer acceptance of the commodity. The study also involved evaluation of electronic image-based sorting for optimizing the stem-to-tip ratio in final product with classifications reaching > 99% for two class and in the range of 90% for three-class. This project on asparagus was follow-on from similar work on fibrousness tissue detection in processing carrots. Similar research has been conducted under this project on CT for internal quality evaluation of chestnuts and other commodities with good success. The primary research associate involved with the automated/electronic quality characteristics study and concept development transferred to a very nice faculty position and thus new application and advancements of CT sensing were significantly stalled and new direction and opportunities and/or personnel are being explored. Publications and professional presentations in addition to industry interaction have been outcomes of this project. Toward sub-objective 2: Continuation of searching for opportunities to advance beyond successful electronic quality evaluation concepts developed in previous years of this project toward prototype development with potential technology partners as well as advancing chestnut harvest concepts developed under this project remain as goals pending development of interest from key partners to assist in next generation machines as well as funding for such. Toward sub-objective 4: This year's effort on a long-term multi-year project to move tart cherry production and harvest to over-the-row (OTR) systems focused on cherry quality comparison between traditionally versus OTR harvested cherries. Results vary with it difficult to single out the harvester itself and make a side-by-side comparison in the study as different growing systems are used for each and thus different orchards, and therefor a second variable, comes into play. The results being inconclusive led to the need to pursue instrumentation/collaboration next season in sensing instrumentation, such as the BIRD sensor, to directly measure physical forces/impacts. This project is a combination of integrating canopy harvesting with new plant structures and is thus a collaboration between engineers and horticulturalists. Past machine tests have demonstrated a high level of potential for canopy harvest with spindle shaker systems and commercial manufacturers are showing increasing interest and collaboration. The project also involves tree training, rootstock, and scion test orchards/plots to develop a plant system that is optimal for long-term compatibility with canopy shaking. This season's data are again showing potential of good fruit production and functional structure (for canopy shaking) in several of the growing systems, however, the challenge will be to keep the tree/plant small and having shakable characteristics over an economically feasible orchard lifetime. This sub-project of this umbrella project is demonstrating a synergistic optimization and overall systems approach toward a cherry production system that has good potential to positively impact profitability, environmental sustainability, and product quality in an industry where current production sustainability is relatively strained. Efficient fruit capture and handling on the harvester are identified as future mechanical aspects of focus.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Donis-Gonzalez, I.R., Guyer, D.E., Fulbright, D. 2016. Quantification and identification of microorganisms found on shell and kernel of fresh edible chestnuts in Michigan. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. Vol 96(4514-4522) http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.7667
Donis-Gonzalez, I.R., Guyer, D.E., Pease, A. 2016. Postharvest non-invasive assessment of undesirable fibrous tissue in fresh processing carrots using computer tomography images. Journal of Food Engineering. Vol 190(154-166) http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2016.06.024compag.2016.06.018
Donis-Gonzalez, I.R., Guyer, D.E., Pease, A. 2016. Postharvest non-invasive classification of tough-fibrous asparagus using computed tomography images. Postharvest Biology and Technology. Vol 127 (27-35) http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2016.06.018
Donis-Gonzalez, I.R. and Guyer, D.E. 2016. Classification of processing asparagus sections using color images. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. Vol 127 (236-241). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2016.06.018
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Donis-Gonzalez, I.R., Jeong, S., Guyer, D.E., Fulbright, D. 2017. Microbial contamination in peeled chestnut and the efficiency of post-processing treatments for microbial spoilage management. J. Food Processing and Preservation. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jfpp.12874
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Donis-Gonz�lez, I.R., Guyer, D.E., Lu, R. 2017. Postharvest assessment of undesirable fibrous tissue (choking hazard) in fresh processing carrots using Vis/NIR hyperspectral images. Acta Horticulturae (ISHS) Proceedings for 3rd International Conference on fresh-cut produce. Sept. 13-18, 2015
|
Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Specialty crop industries, including tart cherry, carrot, potato, asparagus, and chestnut Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This broad umbrella project has provided the opportunity to more closely learn some of the challenges toward sustainability and profitability that exist within specialty crops industries. It additionally continues to provide the opportunity to learn about computed tomography technology as well as it as a potentially emerging tool for agriculture/food applications and needs. This project also continues in providing graduate, undergraduate, and a post doctoral research associate the opportunity to expand their professional development through learning new tools and interacting with peer professionals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The cherry, chestnut, and carrot asparagus project have all been shared with interested communities through in-field demonstrations and industry-level presentations. Additionally, project activities and findings have been disseminated in archived journal articles. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The sensing studies have resulted in positive fundamental and proof of concept findings and thus, ideally, the next step is to establish some level of commercialization potential through a collaboration with applied technology development entities. It is felt that significant proof-of-concept and multiple applications have been demonstrated and system parameters defined. This will be a challenge as it is felt technology entitles are interested in the food industry, however, biological variability and profit potential in this domain challenge further development. The revolutionized cherry production system project is a long-term effort with work this coming season expected to continue to focus on evaluating mechanical harvest performance in the various plant structure/training trials as the trees are approaching nearly maximum (optimal?) growth size for the harvester. Means to keep these trained trees at optimal size will be a priority focus. Further advancement and effort on this specific project will depend on the outcome of the associated pending USDA proposal.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Toward sub-objective 1: A major focus on this project for the past year, which was proposed and funded, was a full study with several hundred field-collected samples to investigate the potential for Computed Tomography (CT) and transmission spectroscopy to detect undesirable fibrous characteristics of asparagus. Results to date suggest a potential to detect, at least extreme cases, fibrous tissue containing sections of the spears with CT classifications as high as 98% for CT and somewhat less (~80%) with transmission spectroscopy. While the current resolution is demonstrating good classification results, it is possible higher resolution CT would have greater potential for discerning the undesirable tissue and this is a possible future study. This project is directed at the industry-wide challenge of sorting for fibrous/stringy tissue in fresh or processing asparagus as it results in unpleasant or inedible spears and hurts consumer acceptance of the commodity. The study was also expanded to evaluation of electronic sorting for optimizing the stem-to-tip ratio in final product with classifications reaching > 99% for two class and in the range of 90% for three-class. Toward sub-objective 1: Another major emphasis under this project in this reporting year was the continued study of Computed Tomography (CT) imaging, hyperspectral imaging, and spectroscopy, for automated detection of undesirable fiber in processing carrots. The research involved a second year of collection of hundreds of field samples followed by CT scanning and a laboratory processing method to extract and measure fiber content in individual samples for direct reference to electronic measurements. Second year analysis is supporting the ability to directly, and also possibly indirectly (through evaluation of certain physiological zones of the carrot such as the phloem and xylem that experience related changes in fibrous carrots), detect undesirable fibrous tissue with CT. Hyperspectral and spectral data, which was collected on the cut top end of the carrots is demonstrating slightly lower detection potential. An additional advantage of CT over other concepts is the flexibility or lack of exactness needed in presenting the object to the detection system, thus potentially simplifying the material handling. Similar research has been conducted under this project on CT for internal quality evaluation of chestnuts and other commodities with good success. Publications and professional presentations in addition to industry interaction have been outcomes of this project. This specific project is directed at development of a technique and technology for detecting an undesirable characteristic (heavy fiber), which can present a choking hazard to humans, especially infants, in addition to being an undesirable texture characteristic in carrot-containing foods in general. Toward sub-objective 1: No further data was collected in this reporting period but analysis and prediction model development continued on the study to evaluate spectral reflectance, interactance, and hyperspectral imaging for rapid determination of sugar (glucose and sucrose) in potatoes. High prediction was achieved under specific data pretreatment and predictions models. A significant effort on this project went toward finalizing data analysis and publishing the studies in peer-reviewed journals and therefor obtaining peer validation of the work. Several manuscripts were completed and submitted as well as a PhD dissertation. This specific project is directed at advancing the potential development of a concept, and ultimately an instrument, to rapidly assess the physiological status of potatoes such that the industry can make timely on-site management decisions for handling and/or harvest. Toward sub-objective 4: Involvement continued with a long-term multi-year project to move tart cherry production and harvest to over-the-row systems. This project is a combination of integrating canopy harvesting with new plant structures and is thus a collaboration between engineers and horticulturalists. Past machine tests have demonstrated a high level of potential for canopy harvest with spindle shaker systems and commercial manufacturers are showing increasing interest and collaboration. The project also involves tree training, rootstock, and scion test orchards/plots to develop a plant system that is optimal for long-term compatibility with canopy shaking. Data collected this year are showing potential of good fruit production and functional structure (for canopy shaking) in their current young age, however, the challenge will be to keep the tree/plant small and having shakable characteristics over an economically feasible orchard lifetime. This sub-project of this umbrella project is demonstrating a synergistic optimization and overall systems approach toward a cherry production system that has good potential to positively impact profitability, environmental sustainability, and product quality in an industry where current production sustainability is relatively strained. This sub-project overlaps and is more deeply embedded under multistate project W2009 (MICL04107). A collaborative study/advancement with Utah was proposed and submitted to USDA-NIFA-AFRI with MSU as lead to advance this study and technology. Efficient fruit capture and handling on the harvester are identified as future mechanical aspects of focus. Toward objective 1: A proposal was developed and submitted to Project GREEEN to synergistically study the potential of CT as a tool in better quantifying, and overall understanding, the identification and development of the very detrimental and broadly impacting disease of potato late blight. Toward the overall project focus and not any specific objective: A senior design project was undertaken with a cherry processor to address the challenge of reduction of microbial levels in the production of a value-added product. Multiple concepts were considered and an optimal mild heat treatment was designed and proposed.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Donis-Gonz�lez, I.R., Guyer, D.E, Kavdir, I, Shahriari, D., and Pease, A. 2015. Development and applicability of an agarose-based tart cherry phantom for computer tomography imaging. J. Food Measurement and Characterization. 9:290-298. DOI 10.1007/s11694-015-9234-7.
Rady, A.M., Guyer, D.E. 2015. Evaluation of Sugar Content in Potatoes Using NIR Reflectance and Wavelength Selection Techniques. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 103:17-26.
Rady, A.M., Guyer, D.E., Lu, R. 2015. Evaluation of Sugar Content of Potatoes Using Hyperspectral Imaging. Journal of Food Bioprocess and Technology. 8(5):995-1010.
Donis-Gonz�lez, I.R., Guyer, D.E., Chen R., & Pease, A. 2015. Evaluation of undesirable fibrous tissue in processing carrots using Computed Tomography (CT) and structural fiber biochemistry. J. of Food Engineering. 153:108-116
Rady, A.M., Guyer, D.E. 2015. Utilization of Visible/Near-Infrared Spectroscopic and Wavelength Selection Methods in Sugar Prediction and Potatoes Classification. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization. Vol 9:Issue1:20-34
Rady, A.M., Guyer, D.E. 2015. Rapid and/or Non-Destructive Quality Evaluation Methods for Potatoes: A Review. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 117:31-48.
|
Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Specialty crop industries, including tart cherry, carrot, potato, and chestnut. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This broad umbrella project has provided the opportunity to more closely learn some of the challenges toward sustainability and profitability that exist within specialty crops industries. It additionally continues to provide the opportunity to learn about computed tomography technology as well as it as a potentially emerging tool for agriculture/food applications and needs. This project also continues in providing graduate, undergraduate, and a post doctoral research associate the opportunity to expand their professional development through learning new tools and interacting with peer professionals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The cherry, chestnut, and carrot projects have all been shared with interested communities through in-field demonstrations and industry-level presentations. Additionally, project activities and findings have been disseminated in archived journal articles. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Each of the noted sub-projects/objectives are continuing efforts. We expect to continue to seek both breadth and depth in the CT studies, which will include continuing to evaluate the technology for solutions toward additional food/agriculture challenges as well as hopefully establish some level of commercialization potential through a collaboration with applied technology development entities. It is felt the more proof-of-concept and applications that can be demonstrated, the greater the potential interest toward dedicated technology development. The carrot fiber detection project will continue with a second year of data collection and analysis. The revolutionized cherry production system project is a long term effort with work this coming season expected to focus on evaluating mechanical harvest performance in the various plant structure/training trials as the trees are approaching nearly maximum (optimal?) growth size for the harvester. Means to keep these trained trees at optimal size will be a priority focus. If funded, the potato late blight CT work will be a significant effort toward goals.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Toward sub-objective 1: Analysis continued on the study to evaluate spectral reflectance, interactance, and hyperspectral imaging for rapid determination of sugar (glucose and sucrose) in potatoes. High prediction was achieved under specific data pretreatment and predictions models. A significant effort on this project went toward finalizing data analysis and publishing the studies in peer-reviewed journals and therefor obtaining peer validation of the work. Several manuscripts were completed and submitted. This specific project is directed at advancing the potential development of a concept, and ultimately an instrument, to rapidly assess the physiological status of potatoes such that the industry can make timely on-site management decisions for handling and/or harvest. Toward sub-objective 1: A major emphasis under this project in this reporting year was on the study of Computed Tomography (CT) imaging, hyperspectral imaging, and spectroscopy, for automated detection of undesirable fiber in processing carrots. The research involved the collection of hundreds of field samples followed by CT scanning and a laboratory processing method to extract and measure fiber content in individual samples for direct reference to electronic measurements. Results to date are demonstrating the ability to directly and also possibly indirectly (through evaluation of certain physiological zones of the carrot such as the phloem and xylem that experience related changes in fibrous carrots) detect undesirable fibrous tissue with CT, at least in cases of significant fiber presence. Analysis is continuing on the hyperspectral and spectral data, which was collected on the cut top end of the carrots. Similar research has been conducted under this project on CT for internal quality evaluation of chestnuts and other commodities with good success. The carrot fiber detection study has also included extensive structural/component analysis for cellulosic and lignin content in an effort to better understand and quantify the material which is the focus of detection. Publications and professional presentations in addition to industry interaction have been outcomes of this project. This specific project is directed at development of a technique and technology for detecting an undesirable characteristic (heavy fiber), which can present a choking hazard to humans, especially infants, in addition to being an undesirable texture characteristic in carrot-containing foods in general. Toward sub-objective 1: A preliminary study to investigate the potential for CT to detect undesirable fibrous characteristics of asparagus was conducted. Preliminary results suggest a potential to detect, at least extreme cases, fibrous tissue containing sections of the spears and it is proposed that higher resolution CT would have greater potential for discerning the undesirable tissue. A proposal for such work is being drafted. This project is directed at the industry–wide challenge of sorting for fibrous/stringy tissue in fresh or processing asparagus as it results in unpleasant or inedible spears and hurts consumer acceptance of the commodity. Toward sub-objective 4: Involvement continued with a project to move tart cherry production and harvest to over-the-row systems. This project is a combination of integrating canopy harvesting with new plant structures and is thus a collaboration between engineers and horticulturalists. Past machine tests have demonstrated a high level of potential for canopy harvest with spindle shaker systems and commercial manufacturers and showing interest in becoming involved. The project also involves tree training, rootstock, and scion test orchards/plots to develop a plant system that is optimal for long-term compatibility with canopy shaking. Data collected this year are showing potential of good fruit production and functional structure (for canopy shaking) in their current young age, however, the challenge will be to keep the tree/plant small and having shakable characteristics over an economically feasible orchard lifetime. This sub-project of this umbrella project is demonstrating a synergistic optimization and overall systems approach toward a cherry production system that has good potential to positively impact profitability, environmental sustainability, and product quality in an industry where current production sustainability is relatively strained. This sub-project overlaps and is more deeply embedded under multistate project W2009 (MICL04107). Toward objective 1: A proposal has been developed and submitted to USDA-ARS to synergistically study the potential of CT as a tool in better quantifying, and overall understanding, the identification and development of the very detrimental and broadly impacting disease of potato late blight.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Guyer, D.E., Donis-Gonz�lez, I.R., Burns, J, and DeKleine, M. 2013. Effects of mechanical harvesting and physical compression, in combination with a Storox� postharvest dip, on internal quality attributes of Colossal chestnuts (Castanea sativa x C. crenata). American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) 29(6): 1013-1017.
DeKleine M. and Guyer, D.E. 2013. Design, development, and evaluation of a single-stage combined chestnut harvesting and material separation concept. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) 29(6): 823-829.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Donis-Gonz�lez, I.R., Guyer, D.E., Pease, A., Fulbright, D.W., and Barthel, F. 2014. Internal characteristics visualization of fresh agricultural products using traditional and ultrafast electron bean X-ray Computed Tomorgaphy (CT) imaging. Biosystems Engineering, Special issue: Image analysis in agriculture, 117: 104-113.
Donis-Gonz�lez, I.R., Guyer, D.E., Fulbright, D. W., and Pease, A. 2014. Postharvest noninvasive assessment of fresh chestnut (Castanea spp.) internal decay using computer tomography images. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 94: 14-25.
Rady, A.M., Guyer, D.E., Kirk, W., Donis-Gonzalez, I.R. 2014. The potential use of visible/near infrared spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging to predict processing-related constituents of potato tubers. Journal of Food Engineering. 135: 11-25.
|
Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Specialy crop industries, and more specifically the chestnut, tart cherry, and potato industries with other specialty crops being addressed indirectly. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Under this broad umbrella project there has been unique design and technology learning experiences provided for at least two graduate students and an undergraduate student, including the opportunity to interact internationally and nationally with other researchers and commercial development entities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The cherry and the chestnut projects have both been shared with interested communities through in-field demonstrations and industry-level conferences. Additionally, project activities and findings have benn disseminated in archived journal articles and/or periodicals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Each of the noted sub-projects are continuing efforts and are in continued development. Probably the most important aspect in the coming year will be to take the rather proven concepts of the past few years and determine economical and logistical practicality and further contacts that can potentially lead to technology transfer and implementation. For the cherry production system project it is expected that the next harvest season will present the opportunity for the first harvest trials on the various plant production systems which will lead to evaluation and likely focus and some redirectioning for the future.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Toward sub-objective 1: Studies were conducted toward developing electronic and rapid technlogy to monitor important potato processing and storage parameters, specifically sucrose and glucose. Visible and near infra-red reflectance, interactance, and hyperspectral imaging measurement data has been collected on several hundred samples, both whole tubers and slices, and the multiple data analysis prediction models, including PLSR and neural networks, and data preprocessing steps, are being evaluated to detemine the potential for predicting reducing sugars content. While not all analysis is complete, to date the results are indicating that glucose can be predicted with up to 95% confidence and while sucrose is appearing a bit more challenging yet at least 90% predictability has been obtained. This specific project works toward addressing an industry need of rapid determination and quantification of reducing sugars which would be important toward harvest and postharvest management. Toward sub-objective 1: Efforts continued on preliminary and exploratory studies of Computed Tomography (CT) for detection and potential quantification of defects internal to multiple specialty crops, including cherry insect detection and pit detection and chestnut insect and pathological internal disorders. Parameters and other understanding has resulted that are important toward guiding future application of CT into the food and raw product domains, including information important to develop new dedicated hardware technology. A new potential application of carrot fibrous tissue identification has additionally been identified and will be pursued under the new phase of this NIFA project. A PhD dissertation and multiple publications, in addition to some potential technology development partner identifcation have all resulted from this effort to date. The CT sensing aspect of this multistate project contribution addresses detection of internal defect and quality, which is not possible via other approaches, which further assists specialty crop industries to direct product to markets which will optimize returns and help prevent negative consumer interactions with the product. Indirectly toward sub-objective 1: Collaborative work with material sceintists took place to develop a tart/sour cherry phantom. A phantom here is defined as an object with the desired properties of the commomdity of interest. In this case we were working to develop an object with the size, CT density properties, and inclusions similar to an actual tart cherry. Attempts were made through 3-D printing technology to develop a phantom, however, identifying both tissue and pit density materials was not found possible. Thus, the best approach was found to be actual pits and fragments of pits incorporated into an agarose-based gel-forming material resulting in a phantom which mimics tart cherry tissue with embedded pit fragments. This specific project effort addresses a challenge that often surfaces in working with several specialty crops, especially highly perishable ones such as tart cherries, in that you have a seasonal and often very limited window in which to work with the product. A shelf-stable phantom provides the opportunity for year-round study and for a sample standard for comparative studies between systems and researchers. Toward sub-objective 2: A study with an undergraduate design class was conducted to assist the chestnut industry to determine the appropriate chestnut slice (chip) drying system under various input and output parameter senarios. An Excel spreadsheet was developed and provided to the chestnut industry which included the drying equations/calculations for various drying concepts and all of the product and economic input and output parameters that would influence the system. This spreadsheet tool provides the insight for the chestnut industry to select the optimal dryer technology under their future growth senarios. Addtionally, chestnut harvest systems have been explored and new approaches/concepts developed. An unique approach utilizing terminal and saltation velocities was further studied and a next generation prototyped which provides for a single-stage, and relatively simple means, to harvest (pick-up) and at the same time utilize the same airstream to perform separation between desireable and undesirable material. The concept has proven to function well and is such it could be presented for further commercial development and application. The chestnut harvest project has addressed the challenge of chestnut production in the U.S. continuing to increase and while European produced harvest systems exist commercially, only one system appears to currently exist which harvests and separates material and this system may not address U.S. needs and conditions. Toward objective 4: Evaluation of existing specialty crop havest systems for potential application to tart cherry canopy production and harvest systems. More specifically, rotary tine canopy shakers have emerged as a very good candidate for canopy shaking of tart cherry with some additional development needed in bulk handling of the harvested fruit and in development/establishment of plant structures optimally compatible with the size and concept of over-the-row canopy systems. Thus, in synergism and parallel with the harvesting evaluation, horticultural production approaches evaluating cultivars, rootstocks, and plant structure (pruning) variables have been initiated to optimize the plant and machine interface and the overall goal of the unique production system. A commercial equipment manufacturer as well as a grower/producer have become interested collaborators in support of the project and have provided equipment for evaluation. To date this effort has demonstrated strong potential and interest from several industry leaders. This project is long-term as it involves the growth of annual tree structures which spans several years. This aspect of this umbrella project has demonstrated a synergistic optimization and overall systems approach to a cherry production system which has strong potential to positively impact profitability, environmental sustainability, and product quality in an industry where current production sustainability is relatively strained and uncertain.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Wen, C., Guyer, D.E., 2012. Image-based orchard insect automated identification and classification method. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 89:110-115.
Donis-Gonz�lez, I.R., Guyer, D.E., and Pease, A. 2012. Application of Response Surface Methodology to systematically optimize image quality in computer tomography: A case study using fresh chestnuts (Castanea spp.). Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 87: 94-107.
Donis-Gonzalez, I.R., Guyer, D.E., Pease A., and Fulbright, D.W. 2012. Relation of computerized tomography Hounsfield unit measurements and internal components of fresh chestnuts (Castanea spp.). Postharvest Biology and Technology 64: 74-82.
Guyer, D.E., DeKleine, M.E., Perry, R.L. 2012. New approaches in cherry and chestnut harvest systems. International Symposium on Mechanical Harvesting and Handling Systems of Fruits and Nuts. Editor: J.P. Syvertsen. Lake Alfred, FL. April 2012. Acta Horticulturae (ISHS) 965:189-194.
Donis-Gonzalez, I.R., Guyer, D.E., Pease, A., Fulbright, D. 2012. Relation of computerized tomography Hounsfield-unit measurements and internal characteristics of fresh chestnuts (Castanea spp.). Postharvest Biology and Technology. Vop. 64. p 74-82.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Donis-Gonz�lez, I.R., Guyer, D.E., Leiva-Valenzuela, G. A., and Burns, J. 2013. Assessment of chestnut (Castanea spp.) slice quality using color images. J. of Food Eng. 115: 407-414.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Donis-Gonzalez, I.R. 2013. Nondestructive evaluation of fresh chestnut internal quality using x-ray computed tomography (CT)
|
Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The core focus in the area of postharvest technology under this umbrella project is nondestructive electronic sensing of internal quality of fruit, vegetables, and chestnuts. More specifically, Computed Tomography (CT) is being evaluated for the potential to detect internal disorders such as insect presence or damage, physiological tissue breakdown, decay, undesirable voids, pit presence, and others in commodities of chestnut, cherry, cucumber, and pineapple. Chestnuts have been the primary commodity of study with thousands of samples now evaluated over several years. This study is in parallel and collaboration with instrumentation/technology development by others who are designing equipment to more rapidly and cost effectively implement CT in domains beyond the medical field. Evaluation of tissue reflectance, transmittance, interactance, and hyperspectral imaging NIR spectral properties, and analysis approaches, to rapidly determine reducing sugars in potatoes continues under this project in the area of postharvest sensing of quality. Two potato varieties have been studied over multiple years resulting in a large and broad sample set to compare and correlate electronic measurement to wet chemistry analysis. The results of this study are in the initial publication stages. Two harvest related projects fall within the domain of this umbrella project. Promising preliminary evaluations of canopy shaking for tart cherries has resulted in establishing orchards of optimal plant structures for such an approach and also in major proposal efforts to develop an optimized over-the-row harvester. A relatively simpler and lower cost approach for harvesting chestnuts utilizing a unique single-stage concept continues to be refined. Studies comparing mechanized versus hand harvesting on the postharvest quality of chestnuts has been completed, presented, and is in the formal publication process. PARTICIPANTS: Daniel Guyer, Lead Project Investigator, Directed and participated with all activity and personnel associated with the project. Irwin Donis-Gonzalez, Research Assistant, Postharvest technologies for quality determination in chestnuts and potatoes. Anthony Pease, Assistant Professor, Veterinary Medicine Clinical Sciences, radiology expertise and facilities. Dennis Fulbright, Professor, Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, chestnut systems and pathology. Ahmed Rady, Graduate Student, Sensor development for reducing sugars in potatoes. USDA-ARS. Laboratory sharing and technical consultation. TARGET AUDIENCES: The Michigan and US Chestnut industry. The Michigan and US tart cherry industry. The Michigan and US apple industry. The potato industry. Specialty Crop industries in general. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The results of the Computed Tomography (CT) studies have demonstrated excellent potential for such technology to be extended and applied to raw commodity internal quality assessment. In addition to these studies visually demonstrating the capabilities of CT, other outcomes include replicated studies to identify the optimal CT parameters, such as energies and slice thickness, which are important contributions toward hardware design and potential commercialization. Additionally, routines for extracting/segmenting critical information and subsequently correlating the biological aspects to the electronic output are being developed and are a key contribution of expertise in this application. An extended outcome has been the application of the rather unique image analysis routines to other domains of CT use, including analysis of medical related evaluations. In particular for the chestnut industry; no other direct internal quality assessment techniques exist to address the challenge of poor quality chestnuts reaching the marketplace and negatively impacting sales and utilization. The ultimate outcome of the potato NIR spectral and image analysis of reducing sugars is the development of a rapid method for the potato industry to make in-field or near-field assessments of the physiological status and assist growers and processors in optimizing marketing and handling decisions. Sustainability for the tart cherry industry remains a challenge and the efforts to assure cherry internal quality, including being void of pits, is important. Revolutionizing harvest of cherries with the canopy shaking concept has the potential to reduce fruit damage and loss and just as importantly; bring orchards into production more quickly, thus increasing profitability. An indirect output/impact of this group of projects is graduate and undergraduate involvement and building of knowledge capacity that stems from such.
Publications
- Donis-Gonzalez, I.R., Guyer, D.E., Leiva-Valenzuela, G.A., and Burns, J. Quality assessment of sliced chestnut (Castanea spp.) using color images. Shepherdstown, WV, USA, September 4-8, 2012. Fifth International Chestnut Symposium.
- Guyer, D.E., Donis-Gonzalez, I.R., Burns, J., and DeKleine M. Is internal quality of chestnuts influenced by harvest methods and physical stresses Shepherdstown, WV, USA, September 4-8, 2012. Fifth International Chestnut Symposium.
- Guyer, D.E., DeKleine, M.E., Perry, R.L. 2012. New approaches in cherry and chestnut harvest systems. International Symposium on Mechanical Harvesting and Handling Systems of Fruits and Nuts. Editor: J.P. Syvertsen. Lake Alfred, FL. April 2012. Acta Horticulturae (ISHS) 965:189-194.
- Donis-Gonzalez, I.R., Guyer, D.E., and Pease, A. Application of Response Surface Methodology to systematically optimize image quality in computer tomography: A case study using fresh chestnuts (Castanea spp.). 2012. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 87: 94-107.
- Donis-Gonzalez, I. R, Guyer, D.E., Pease A., and Fulbright, D.W. 2012. Relation of computerized tomography Hounsfield unit measurements and internal components of fresh chestnuts (Castanea spp.). Postharvest Biology and Technology 64: 74-82.
- Donis-Gonzalez, I.R., Guyer, D.E., Pease, A., Fulbright, D.W., and Barthel, F. Internal characteristics visualization of fresh chestnuts (Castanea spp.) using traditional and ultrafast limited-angle-type x-ray Computed Tomorgaphy (CT) imaging. Shepherdstown, WV, USA, September 4-8, 2012. Fifth International Chestnut Symposium.
|
Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This umbrella project broadly encompasses multiple sub-projects in the areas of nondestructive electronic sensing and harvest system innovations. The application of Computed Tomography (CT) is being studied to assess internal defects and characteristics of fruit and chestnuts. The work with chestnuts has now covered multiple years leading to replicated and expanded results which have also led to significant input for several major proposals looking to expand applications and/or partner with commercial application development. The CT studies are broadening into cherry, cucumber, pineapple, and potentially into watermelon applications. Spectroscopy measurements of visible and near infra-red (NIR) reflectance, interactance, and scattering properties of potato tubers and potato flesh, in addition to hyperspectral imaging measurements and extensive data analysis approaches, are being conducted to determine their correlation to sucrose and glucose levels. The study is incorporating two varieties over multiple years. Preliminary studies and proposals for support continue on combined and integrated efforts to establish a new production system for tree crops and on tart cherries specifically/initially. Commercial harvester evaluation and new concept design research is being conducted for chestnuts. Performance is being evaluated under varying orchard conditions. A new harvester design/concept has been built as a prototype and tested under varying loading conditions. Chestnut quality is being assessed with harvesting type/method as well as compression loading as variables. PARTICIPANTS: Daniel Guyer, Lead Project Investigator, Directed and participated with all activity and personnel associated with the project. Irwin Donis-Gonzalez, Research Assistant, Postharvest technologies for quality determination in chestnuts and potatoes. USDA-ARS. Laboratory sharing and technical consultation. Anthony Pease, Assistant Professor, Veterinary Medicine Clinical Sciences, radiology expertise and facilities. Dennis Fulbright, Professor, Plant Pathology, chestnut systems and pathology. TARGET AUDIENCES: The Michigan and US Chestnut industry. The Michigan and US tart cherry industry. The Michigan and US apple industry. The potato industry. Specialty crop industries in general. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Advances in the potential for computed tomography (CT) to detect challenging internal fruit and nut quality issues continue to be demonstrated. More specific outcomes are optimized design parameters critical for development of dedicated commercialization and application of the technology for in-line rapid nondestructive sensing. The results and depth of this specific study are helping the overall effort gain attention with CT development entities looking to expand beyond medical applications. Results of electronic measurement of potato physiological status has provided mixed but encouraging results with a goal of this work being the development of a rapid and cost effective in-, or near-, field tool for producers to assess their crop and support and optimize harvest and postharvest handling and marketing decisions. Outcomes for new tree fruit production system design and automation do not yet exist for this developing project but are expected to be systems which are more economically and environmentally sustainable for tree fruit producers. Chestnut harvest for the emerging U.S. industry has come to the forefront with new producers now reaching significant production levels. Matching of equipment to orchard management is critical for successful and economically feasible harvest for individual producers. New designs may be required to provide harvest technology for growers whose needs do not fit currently available commercial systems. These studies combine both developmental as well as demonstration efforts to help producers make educated decisions. The chestnut industry is concerned with the short and long term affect mechanical harvesting has on the commodity quality and an outcome under this project is to determine if chestnut quality breakdown occurs due to varying severity of physical handling. Building knowledge capacity through involvement of graduate student teaching and research is also an outcome.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Multiple related projects and activities are covered under this umbrella project. This CRIS project was just revised and updated this year bringing in some new cooperators and also a larger focus on chestnuts than before. The primary activity has been the postharvest internal quality evaluation research on chestnuts. Excellent progress has been made in confirming CT x-ray as a means of characterizing and quantifying disorders in fresh in-shell chestnuts. Activity is also progressing into image classification and development of sorting algorithms and approaches. The progress under this sub-project has provided the opportunity to disseminate findings at multiple national and international meetings and symposia which has led to new opportunities of not only collaboration but extended learning to enhance and advance the project. Two commercial development entities have expressed significant interest in collaborating with this project to advance technology and applications for real-time on-line CT-based sorting. Efforts have continued in researching the potential for spectroscopic-based electronic measurement, and more specifically near-infrared reflectance, scattering, and interactance to differentiate physiological status, and in turn various sugars contents, of potatoes. This potato project is targeting a rapid and accurate measurement technique/tool for assisting the potato industry with storage and marketing decision support. This season's data is showing inconsistencies with the previous season and is being further analyzed. Chestnut studies also include harvest system development where a unique design which couples collection vacuum air with fluidized bed separation to minimize the number of components, size, and cost of the system. The target is for growers of size too large for hand harvest, but not large enough for full-scale commercial harvesters to have an affordable harvest system available. Two multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary USDA-SCRI proposals are being developed; one to further both chestnut activities noted above and advance them toward commercialization, and the other to extend the CT sensing/sorting technology to other applications in fruits and vegetables having internal quality determination needs not addressable by current light-based sorting approaches due to dense outer coverings. PARTICIPANTS: Daniel Guyer, Lead Project Investigator, Directed and participated with all activity and personnel associated with the project. Irwin Donis-Gonzalez, Research Assistant, Postharvest technologies for quality determination in chestnuts and potatoes. USDA-ARS. Laboratory sharing and technical consultation. Anthony Pease, Assistant Professor, Veterinary Medicine Clinical Sciences, radiology expertise and facilities. TARGET AUDIENCES: The Michigan and US Chestnut Industry The Michigan and US Tart Cherry Industry The Michigan Apple Industry The Potato Industry Specialty Crop Industries in general PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Most subprojects under this umbrella project are in intermediate stages and do not have significant reportable outcomes or impacts at this point. The activity related to the internal quality assessment has demonstrated good success and potential and has resulted in a milestone outcome of identification of prospective important technology collaborators needed to advance the project beyond concept research toward developed and applied dedicated instrumentation. Results from previous cherry cooling studies, and alternative technique development and recommendations, continue to be disseminated and positively impact tart cherry quality and producer profitability, as well as show decreased industry environmental footprint through reduced water requirements. Overall, the largest delivered outcome is increased collaboration opportunities and additionally, graduate education. The potential outcomes of all projects continue to be improved economic and environmental sustainability for the fruit, vegetable, and chestnut industries.
Publications
- Donis-Gonzalez, I.R, Guyer, D.E., Pease, A., Fulbright, D.W. 2010. Differentiation of decayed and healthy tissue in fresh Michigan chestnuts using X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging. Paper No.1008878. Proceedings of ASABE, June 2010. Pittsburg, PA.
- Guyer, D., Xing, J., Mandujano, M., Fulbright, D.W. 2010. Influence of selected factors on efficiency and effectiveness of a peeling machine for chestnut. First European Chestnut Conference. Acta Horticulturae 866:595-603
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project continues to be an umbrella project covering multiple specialty crop projects. The scope of projects range from harvesting to nondestructive sensor development for determination of postharvest commodity disorders. Extensive study was conducted to evaluate electromagnetic radiation (X-Ray and CT scanning) for determination of internal disorders in fresh in-shell chestnuts. The studies have shown both technologies can discern tissue disorders with CT-scanning having promise of more accurate and quantifiable analysis. Specific CT output parameters combined with image analysis are showing excellent potential for sorting. Additional analysis and development toward dedicated system design parameters continues. Electronic analysis of volatiles coming off decayed and non-decayed chestnuts has also been evaluated for identifying poor quality chestnuts. Unique profiles have been demonstrated with some challenges of repeatability. A fluidized bed concept is being prototyped and studied for a one-step, small scale, and low-cost system for simultaneous harvest and separation of chestnuts. Visible and NIR transmission, scattering, and interactance optical measurements were made of potatoes and correlated against physical measurements of sucrose, glucose, soluble solids, specific gravity, and primordial count for evaluation of optical measurements for rapid determination of potato quality and physiological status. First year studies showed a high correlation with primordial count and interactance on slices. Fair but promising correlations were achieved between interactance and glucose. These promising results along with concerns over first year sample distribution have led to focused studies and improved sample sets for the current season. Cherry insect infestation evaluation with optical methods continued with an excellent sample set in 2009. Spectral characteristics and imaging are being combined for determining the level of damage hidden within tart cherries. High classification rates have been obtained with continued study needed to determine the most efficient and effective (and thus rapid and low cost) means of cherry disorder identification. The project expects to expand to evaluate X-ray and CT scanning potential for identifying infestation in individual cherries and couple this with a renewed evaluation of such technology for pit detection. Adoption by the commercial cherry industry of previous work under this umbrella project in the area of postharvest cooling of cherries to improve product cooling and water use efficiency continues to be monitored and evaluated. PARTICIPANTS: Daniel Guyer, Lead Project Investigator, Directed and participated with all activity and personnel associated with the project. Irwin Donis-Gonzalez, Research Assistant, Postharvest technologies for quality determination in chestnuts and potatoes. USDA-ARS. Laboratory sharing and technical consultation. TARGET AUDIENCES: The Michigan Cherry Industry The Michigan Chestnut Industry The Michgan Apple Industry The Potato Industry Special Crop Industries in general PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The largest cherry grower and one of the largest cherry processors, both in the world, have recently incorporated a unique cooling system developed under this umbrella project. This project continues to assist the cherry industry in implementing the concept which has demonstrated a huge improvement in cooling uniformity in cherry tanks and doing so with less water input and less labor. This results in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly industry while also improving returns to the growers and ultimately a higher quality end product, including improved pitting results. The current methods for physically sorting chestnuts results in too many false positives and negatives and thus impacts profitability and market acceptance. A non-destructive rapid electronic-based system is needed by the industry and the results of this study to date indicate good potential for such. Within Michigan, the chestnut industry is seeing many producers with too much production for manual harvest yet they are not large enough to purchase larger commercially available harvesters. Development of a small-scale, low-cost harvest system is currently important to the chestnut industry. Potato producers currently wait approximately two days to obtain feedback on the status of a particular potato sample taken from a field or storage facility. Logistics, efficiency, and profit-critical decisions can be better informed with a rapid, on-site potato parameter measurement system. Undergraduate and graduate student education is another important outcome and impact of the research under this project.
Publications
- Guyer, D.E., Xing, J., Mandujano, M., Fulbright. 2009. Influence of selected factors on efficiency and effectiveness of a peeling machine for chestnuts. Abstracts; Castanea 2009: 1st European Congress on Chestnut. Cuneo, Italy.
- Donis-Gonzales, I.R., Guyer, D.E., Fulbright, D.W., Beaudry, R. 2009. Detection of decayed chestnut kernels based on volatile metabolite profiles using GC-MS. Abstracts; Castanea 2009: 1st European Congress on Chestnut. Cuneo, Italy.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project continues to be an umbrella project covering multiple efforts and commodities. Evaluation of insect infested and non infested tart cherries using reflectance and transmittance spectroscopy continued and was expanded to include multi-spectral transmittance imaging. Multiple wavelengths and combinations of measurement modes were evaluated for determining optimal identification and classification potential of defective cherries. Results indicated cherries could be correctly classified with approximately 90% accuracy. Multiple papers were published on this project during 2008. A project to evaluate technology to detect chestnuts possessing internal disorders included working with a commercial sorting equipment manufacturer to evaluate X-ray. The preliminary measurements were positive and new tests are being established to better evaluate the type and severity of defects which can be detected with X-ray. This project is also moving forward to collaborate with others to evaluate MRI, NMR, and other technologies which have the ability to look internally. Additionally, this effort is designing experiments to evaluate the volatiles given off by chestnuts having varying internal disorders which is information with potential to lead to biosensing technology development for detecting disorders. Potato sugars, specific gravity, and bud development are being measured and monitored while at the same time being measured for their visible and NIR range spectral transmittance, scattering, and interactance properties as whole and sliced tubers as their characteristics change during storage at varying temperatures. The goal of this project is to correlate the physical and more common potato evaluation methods to electronically obtained signals and ultimately to a method of rapid evaluation of commodity status. This potato project is in the data collection status. A rather revolutionary tart cherry cooling approach researched and introduced to the industry through this project has progressed to a full-scale commercial trial and is continuing development and evaluation in collaboration with this project investigator. The goal of this cooling technology is to reduce labor and water use while improving cherry quality for processing. The scope of this umbrella project has expanded to include a small project in developing a chestnut harvest system for small to moderate-sized producers. A prototype has been constructed and further modified this year. Additionally, a project to electronically detect and classify insects in the orchard with machine vision technology is ongoing with a goal of development of automated sensors to assist in orchard management. Relating to both pre and post harvest domains, a major multidisciplinary/multi-institutional proposal directed at the Specialty Crop Research Initiative was assembled and submitted in 2008 to address sensors and automation with this investigators specific participation focusing on postharvest and orchard management sensors in addition to automation for pheromone application. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: The Michigan Cherry Industry The Michigan Chestnut Industry The Michigan Apple Industry The Potato Industry Specialty Crop Industries in General PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Environmental and economic sustainability are fundamental challenges facing many of the specialty crop industries. Sensors and automation can, among other things, assist producers in reducing input materials and input costs, increase efficiency of labor, as well as detect attributes which human sensory can not sense. Sensors can help assure desirable and consistent product quality by detecting and removing unacceptable product which is likely to negatively impact markets and sales. Research and development related to detection of internal commodity characteristics, as with the cherry insect detection and chestnut kernel detection, are working toward such goals. Somewhat related, the potential impact associated with development of a sensing approach to determine the physiological status of a potato, is producers immediately gather information to help them make harvest decisions and direct their crop to appropriate markets and storage protocols, thus allowing them to maximize profit potential. Orchard management sensors are directed at assisting producers to manage pest and nutrient inputs more precisely, leading to lower input costs and a smaller environmental footprint. Helping advance the emerging chestnut industry with sensors and automation will provide an opportunity for producer diversification, economic development in certain regions, and a healthy and unique food for consumers. A new approach to cooling tart cherries which increases cooling efficiency and minimizes water and energy inputs is important as energy costs and water regulations increase. Undergraduate and graduate education is another important outcome and impact of the research under this project.
Publications
- Xing, J., Guyer, D.E. 2008. Comparison of transmittance and reflectance to detect insect infestation in Montmorency tart cherry. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. Vol. 64(2). p 194-201.
- Xing, J., Guyer, D.E., Ariana D.P., Lu, R. 2008. Determining optimal wavebands using genetic algorithm for detection of insect infestation internal to tart cherry. Sensing and Instrumentation for Food Quality and Safety. Vol. 2(3). p 161-167.
- Xing, J., Guyer, D.E. 2008. Detecting internal insect infestation in tart cherry using transmittance spectroscopy. Postharvest Biology and Technology. Vol 49. p 411-416.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Multiple specific projects spanning several commodities and technologies are covered under this umbrella project. Basic research was conducted to better understand concepts of transmitted and reflected light interaction with insect infested cherry tissue versus undamaged quality cherries for sorting. These continuing studies indicate transmitted light provided more useful information of internal cherry quality; cherries with a relatively moderate to high degree of internal damage could be separated with high classification accuracy (>80%) according to their spectral information; over the 500-1500nm wavelength region evaluated, the wavelengths > 950 nm contributed the most to differentiating the cherries. A new study has been initiated to research and evaluate multiple technologies, such as X-ray, spectroscopy, NMR, and possibly others to nondestructively identify and sort unpeeled chestnuts for internal defects caused by insects and molds. A proposal was resubmitted and is
pending related to evaluating the potential of using NIR and visible spectroscopy to evaluate the postharvest quality, maturity, and in-turn storability characteristics of potatoes. Studies which are more applied in nature include continued collaboration on a project to develop, improve, and implement chestnut value-added processing technology to aid in establishment of a chestnut industry in Michigan. This project collaborated on studies of product handling, treatment, and peeling line parameters to optimize peeling efficiency and minimize chestnut product degradation. An important finding this year was the effectiveness of x-ray for elimination of bacteria on peeled product. A project was also undertaken to develop a small-scale cost effective chestnut harvesting/collection system suited to small to moderate sized production operations. A prototype involving varying concepts was built and field evaluated. Included under this project are collaboration efforts to study the multiple
factors potentially affecting the gloss/appearance of Michigan apples. The primary applied study under this project is the continued study of new approaches to improve cooling effectiveness and efficiency in postharvest handling of tart cherries. New concepts of higher flow rates for cycled shorter durations were beta-tested on a commercial level in 2007. Results indicated improvements in cooling and indicators of product quality.
TARGET AUDIENCES: The Michigan Cherry Industry The Michigan Chestnut Industry The Michigan Apple Industry
Impacts
Postharvest evaluation and sorting of commodities for food quality and food safety continues to be an important issue as commodity industries struggle to maximize quality and consistency in the marketplace. Spectroscopy and electronics have the potential to nondestructively evaluate quality characteristics of commodities. Such technology has additional potential to extend to preharvest monitoring for assisting orchard management decisions. Chestnuts present opportunity for producer diversification, economic development in certain regions, and a healthy and unique food opportunity for consumers. Developing processing and handling systems leading to value-added products are critical to expansion and sustainability of a new chestnut industry. Effective and efficient cooling of tart cherries is important to: 1) improve raw and processed fruit quality; 2) improve economic returns to producers through higher grades and yields; 3) be environmentally proactive for the industry
by reducing water usage; and 4) reduce water disposal volume, all of which are critical to long-term economic and environmental sustainability for the industry. A significant percentage of the Michigan cherry production is in the process of changing their cooling procedure as a result of the studies under this project. Multiple undergraduate students have enhanced their knowledge as part of these projects.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
This umbrella project continues to cover multiple specific project efforts addressing several objectives and commodities. Addressing the issue of evaluating cooling systems for tart cherries for maximizing quality and concurrently looking to minimize water usage has been a significant effort under this project. This year the focus was to evaluate various current systems, and prototype new designs, to improve uniformity of cooling within individual cherry tanks. Prototype designs of increasing the number of flow tubes; increasing the velocity of flow out of the holes in the flow tubes; modifying the design of the flow tube apparatus; incorporating air into the water feed line to add turbulence; and testing a high volume - short duration flow system were evaluated. Results indicated cooling uniformity could be obtained and a system which combines a slight change in the conventional design of the flow tube apparatus with a protocol of cycling high volume-high velocity
flow for short durations should be the focus of further study for both reducing water input and increasing cooling uniformity. Theoretical studies related to heat transfer and cherry cooling are being conducted to support the experimental field tests. An ongoing study has evaluated visible and NIR spectroscopy for the potential to electronically nondestructively differentiate high-quality cherries versus cherries having plum curculio infestation damage. Laboratory instruments as well as a low-cost photodiode based prototype sensor have been used to collect spectral measurements. The results indicate unique spectral properties exist to at least differentiate good and infested extremes; however, acquisition of sufficient samples has challenged the project. The evaluation of multiple chestnut cultivars for their capacity to peel on a commercial peeling system was continued as a component of cultivar selection for the industry. A project has been initiated to develop a harvest system for
chestnuts compatible for moderate-sized producers common to Michigan as well as studies to determine effective bacterial control treatments for processed chestnuts. Involvement in a new project is just beginning to maximize the appearance of Michigan apples through studies of waxing parameters of wax temperature/viscosity, apple temperature, and humidity during waxing and drying. A second year working with a new "canopy shaker" for harvest of tart cherries, including small trees, was conducted in an effort to reduce fruit damage and bring orchards into production sooner with more uniform quality. The initial concept demonstrated potential in fruit removal, although it was difficult to fully evaluate the small scale prototype on present tree design. The second year scale-up system proved too aggressive on trees. The current plan is to consider alternative mechanical designs and develop a tree/canopy structure such as a "fruiting wall" more suited to such a concept. A proposal was
submitted and is pending related to evaluating the potential of using spectroscopy in the visible and NIR wavelengths to evaluate the post harvest quality, maturity, and in-turn storability characteristics of potatoes.
Impacts
Recent studies under this project have demonstrated that current methods of chilling cherries may not be achieving expectations. Effective and efficient cooling of tart cherries is important to: 1) improve raw and processed fruit quality; 2) improve economic returns to producers through higher grades and yields; 3) be environmentally proactive for the industry by reducing water usage; and 4) reduce water disposal volume, all of which are critical to long-term economic and environmental sustainability for the industry. The cherry industry feels strongly that a significantly revolutionized production and harvest system that brings trees into production sooner, is less environmentally impacting, increases product quality, and reduces input costs, must be developed for the industry to be sustainable. Pre and postharvest evaluation and sorting of commodities continues to be an important issue as commodity industries struggle to maximize quality and consistency in the
global marketplace. Spectroscopy and electronics have the potential to nondestructively evaluate quality characteristics of commodities. Chestnuts present opportunity for producer diversification, economic development in certain regions, and a healthy and unique food opportunity for consumers. As the chestnut industry expands the need to develop efficient and clean harvesting and handling systems increases in importance. The Michigan apple industry has been challenged in world markets due to appearance issues. Determining the cause and correction for gloss problems will help keep Michigan apples more competitive.
Publications
- Ariana, D.P., Lu, R., Guyer, D.E.. 2006. Near-infrared hyperspectral imaging for detection of bruises on pickling cucumbers. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. Vol 53: 60-70.
- Ariana, D., Guyer, D.E., Shrestha, B.P. 2006. Integrating multispectral reflectance and fluorescence imaging for defect detection on apples. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. Vol 50: 148-161.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
This umbrella project covers multiple specific project efforts addressing several objectives and commodities. As part of a project to address economic and environmental sustainability for the tart cherry industry a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of various minimum cooling water temperatures and cooling rates on tart cherry firmness, weight gain, soluble solids, and pitting weight loss. Trends indicated the longer the holding time of the cherries in water, and the colder the minimum temperature obtained, the greater the potential for increased yield and firmness. However, the tests did not yield significant differences between the result means. The average firmness increases ranged from 12 to 30 percent. The net yield after soaking, cooling and pitting ranged from 87 percent to 93 percent. An important aspect of chilling the cherries is to improve the pitting process, especially reduce the potential for pits to reach the final product. This was not directly
evaluated in these tests but can be indirectly reflected in fruit firmness. Another aspect of this study has involved measuring the temperature within various zones of a cherry tank and attempting to conduct a heat balance during cooling of individual tanks of cherries. The result has been a finding that a significant portion of the tank (and thus cherries) are not receiving any cooling. This creates a very difficult heat balance determination; however, it brings to light an important problem in the cooling process. The project will direct more focus next season on methods to obtain more uniform and improved cooling throughout the tanks. Also related to cherries a canopy shaking concept prototype, as opposed to a conventional trunk shaker, was tested as part of a larger project to revolutionize production systems for cherries. The concept demonstrated initial success. A project continued to evaluate spectral property comparisons of cherries which have been occupied by insect larvae
versus undamaged cherries. Cherries were measured over the visible and near-infrared range in reflectance and transmittance modes with laboratory instrumentation. A dedicated, low-cost LED-based prototype measurement system was also tested. Results are demonstrating differences and classification potential; however, obtaining good sample sets for testing and replication present challenges for the project. Studies continued to evaluate handling of chestnuts prior to peeling to maximize peeling efficiency. Replication of previous tests evaluating various varieties for their peeling yield and peel removal potential continued this year. Improved handling and preparation of the chestnuts has led to improvements in complete peel removal and also a decrease in the difference in peel removal potential between varieties. Future project objectives will include looking into means to effectively sort for quality and size of the peeled chestnut product. Additionally, a research paper was published
on a prior value-added onion project under this CRIS.
Impacts
The tart cherry industry is hypothesizing that mechanically chilling water for cooling cherries below the conventionally used well water temperature, and/or more rapidly, can have a positive effect on net return. Incorporating mechanical chilling has the potential to: 1) improve raw and processed fruit quality; 2) improve economic returns to producers through higher grades and yields; 3) be environmentally proactive for the industry by reducing water usage through recirculation and/or more rapid cooling; and 4) reduce water disposal volume. Increasing returns to growers by as little as one cent per pound can have an over two million dollar positive impact on producers. Study results will help producers make educated decisions for their specific operations now and as the cost or regulation of water becomes more of a factor. The cherry industry feels strongly that a significantly revolutionized production system that brings trees into production sooner, is less
environmentally impacting, increases product quality, and reduces input costs, must be developed for the industry to be sustainable in the future. Postharvest evaluation and sorting of commodities continues to be an important issue as commodity industries struggle with more environmentally friendly, less effective, and more costly means to reduce pest pressure during production. Electronics have the potential to nondestructively evaluate commodities. Chestnuts present the opportunity for producer diversification, economic development in certain regions, and a healthy and unique food opportunity for consumers.
Publications
- Guyer, D.E., Saengcharoenrat, C., Lira, C.T. 2005. Onion flavor recovery in the process of adsorption and supercritical carbon dioxide desorption. J. Food Process Engineering 28(205-218).
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
This project covers several post-harvest related projects. A study was completed on the use of multispectral imaging to evaluate apple quality. Information from reflected or fluoresced light energy at specific wavelengths in the visible and near infra-red ranges were identified as capable (95-100% correct classification) of electronically and nondestructively distinguishing and classifying multiple common, yet sometimes challenging to detect, apple defects and quantifying the extent of defect at the pixel level. A thesis was published related to this study. Advances were made on a related project utilizing spectral responses in reflectance, transmittance, and interactance modes to evaluate and detect plum curculio insect infestation in tart cherries. Previous year studies were replicated and a concept prototype device, based on previous year's findings, was constructed of dedicated electronics and tested in parallel with laboratory instrumentation. Evaluation of
spectral wavelengths from previous studies was used to select and integrate specific diodes and detectors into a low-cost prototype reflectance measurement sensor. The prototype sensor was capable of matching the classification ability of the laboratory instrumentation. More studies are needed with a more balanced cherry sample set to confirm optimal wavelengths and evaluate the transmission, reflectance, and interactance approaches. A new research facility was designed and established for the processing of chestnuts as a component of a multidisciplinary market driven chestnut industry development project. Variables of chestnut cultivar and warming of chestnuts prior to peeling were tested during 2004 and evaluated for peel removal effectiveness and breakage during peeling. Initial evaluation of results indicates both cultivar and temperature immediately prior to peeling are strong factors in peeling effectiveness. Peeling is conducted to evaluate cultivar selections and provide
material for parallel studies on packaging, storage, and new product development. A new study was initiated to evaluate the effectiveness of chilling tart cherries below traditional well water temperatures. Questions of water use and energy efficiency and effect on cherry quality and value are drivers in the study. Initial studies and measurements demonstrated poor temperature uniformity within cooling tanks and poor utilization of mechanically chilled water. Further studies are being proposed to improve water use efficiency and improve the understanding of the effect of additional chilling on cherry properties. Publications related to past value-added processing work with extraction of onion compounds were completed under this year's progress.
Impacts
Increased pressure to produce high quality fruit products coupled with the increase in demands from society for more environmentally friendly production practices results in the need to continually improve postharvest quality detection methods. Spectral properties of fruit present potential to rapidly and effectively evaluate produce for external and internal quality characteristics. Evaluating the processing potential of chestnut cultivars enables potential producers to make informed decisions prior to making expensive and long term planting/production decisions. Chilling of cherries to temperatures below current practices with mechanically chilled water presents the opportunity for processors and/or producers to achieve greater returns (yield and quality) while also reducing water consumption, both of which are increasingly important issues for the cherry industry.
Publications
- Gorostiaga-Martino, K., Guyer, D.E. 2004. Supercritical fluid extraction of quercetin from onion skins. J. of Food Process Engineering. Vol. 27:17-28.
- Saengcharoenrat, C., Guyer, D.E. 2004. Effects of supercritical carbon dioxide conditions on onion oil desorption. Journal of Food Engineering. Vol. 63:33-37.
- Ariana, D.P. 2004. Integrating multispectral reflectance and fluorescence imaging for apple disorder classification. Doctor of Philosophy Thesis, Michigan State University.
- Kavdir, I., Guyer, D.E. 2004. Comparison of artificial neural networks and statistical classifiers in apple sorting using textural features. Biosystems Engineering. Vol. 89(3):331-344.
- Guyer, D.E., Fulbright, D., Mandujano, M. 2004. A perspective on Chestnut Handling and peeling. National Nut Growers 94th Annual Report.
- Kavdir, I. and D.E. Guyer. 2003. Apple grading using fuzzy logic. Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry. Vol 28(6). p375-382.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Participation on a joint project/effort, with the disciplines of Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Food Science, Packaging, and Ag. Economics, to develop opportunities for a chestnut industry in Michigan has been an emphasis under this project. For a chestnut industry to develop markets must exist beyond fresh sales. The project has specifically addressed the challenge of peeling of the chestnuts. Peeling of the nuts is critical to opening the door to increased utilization, product development, and industry opportunity. To date, components of a commercial peeling line have been put into operation. Results of two years of experimentation on varieties and handling of chestnuts is yielding information to assist the industry on optimizing peeled output efficiency. Percentages of peeled nuts from different varieties following the peeling process has ranged from 52 to 100%. Related studies are demonstrating that slight drying of the chestnuts prior to peeling results in higher
peeling success and a high quality peeled product. Results show approximately 22-25% of the fresh nut weight is lost when the peel is removed. The studies are indicating that peeling can be optimized through variety and pre-peeling handling and conditioning of the chestnuts. A second primary emphasis under this project continues to be the development of concepts to utilize multispectral imaging and spectroscopy to evaluate fruit quality. The studies have combined imaging and spectroscopy over the UV to NIR spectral range. Results indicate capturing fluorescence characteristics of fruit tissue can enhance the ability to detect and classify various tissue defects on apples. The studies have demonstrated tissue (pixel-level) classifications with 100% accuracy for several apple defects on certain varieties. Various analysis techniques have been implemented to evaluate data/parameters for those which are most effective in the classification process and which in turn reduces the amount of
data required for classification. A highlight of the study is the ability of the system to detect defects or disorders which are difficult for human sorters to identify, such as early or moderate stages of superficial scald, under common manual sorting situations. Previous preliminary studies of imaging larvae on sour cherries using UV, visible, and NIR reflectance and fluorescence modes led to more extensive studies this year. Spectral analysis of larvae alone, undamaged tissue, and larval damaged tissue was conducted with both visible/NIR and UV incident lighting for reflectance, transmittance, and interactance modes. Larvae (plum curculio) were found to yield detectable fluorescing characteristics under UV lighting while tissue damaged from infestation could be detected under transmittance and interactance modes at certain wavelengths. Analysis of the spectrographs demonstrate pairs of wavelengths could be captured and compared with relatively simple lighting and detection hardware
and incorporated into an electro-optical sorting device. Publication of some past value-added onion flavor extraction work is included in part of the progress of this project.
Impacts
Effective postharvest handling and peeling procedures for chestnuts are critical to opportunities to expand product utilization. With the ability to peel chestnuts on a large scale, markets beyond fresh sales become opportunities to expand the industry. The majority of Michigan chestnut producers have formally joined a cooperative established around the peeling process and future market opportunity. The peeling research has additionally provided insight for the producers into how to postharvest handle their chestnuts for both processing and fresh avenues. This research is helping prevent low quality product from reaching markets as well as providing producers information on cultivars to consider for the future. It is anticipated the peeling of nuts will provide a value-added process for the industry. Increased demand and competition for fruit quality and also losses of in-field control methods for diseases and insects has put increased pressure on postharvest
detection and grading of fruits. The technology studied under this project has the potential to detect undesirable tissue characteristics which are difficult or not possible for human or current electronic sorters to identify.
Publications
- Kavdir, I., Guyer, D.E. 2002. Artificial neural networks, machine vision and surface reflectance spectra for apple sorting. Transactions of ASAE. Vol. 45(6) p 1995-2005.
- Shrestha, B.P., Guyer, D.E., Ariana, D.P. 2003. Optoelectronic determination of insect presence in fruit. SPIE Procedings No. 5271-33.
- Ariana, D.P., Guyer, D.E., Shrestha, B.P. 2003. Integrating reflectance and fluorescence imaging for apple disorder classification. SPIE Procedings No. 5271-33.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Several efforts exist to address the overarching objective of this project of maintaining raw product consistency and quality and the development of processes which lead to increased utilization and added value. A study was completed which confirms the physical potential of supercritical CO2 fluid extraction as an alternative method to organic solvents to extract the compound quercetin from onion skins. Quercetin is a nutraceutical from a family of compounds reported to promote human health such as inhibiting the growth of melanoma as well as being a chemotherapeutic agent for prostate cancer. Techniques to produce such compounds as natural products remain a priority. Michigan, as well as several other regions of the U.S., are looking to reestablish a viable commercial chestnut industry that will provide diversification and potential for profitability to fruit and other producers. A study exists under this project to develop and adapt technology to peel chestnuts and,
in-turn, provide the feed stream to multiple value-added processing and marketing opportunities. The peeling research is a sub-component of a larger project focusing on a relatively unique paradigm of a market-based versus a production-based chestnut industry. Research to identify and develop techniques to evaluate fruit quality and the presence of insects on or within fruit continues. Hardware and software have been developed to capture multispectral image data under visible and NIR reflectance, UV and chlorophyll fluorescence, and transmittance formats. Multiple fruit tissue disorders are being evaluated to determine optimal spectra and imaging techniques for discerning tissue variations. Michigan cherries are the primary focus of evaluation of spectral techniques to identify potential insect presence within the tissue.
Impacts
Worldwide market competition, weather events, and labor, food safety (FQPA), and environmental regulations continue to strain many overall fruit industries as well as individual operations. Development of new value-added products from traditional commodities, development of marketing and production leading to diversification opportunities around new commodities, and development of technology to ensure consistency and quality are important to enhancing or maintaining competitive and viable fruit and vegetable operations.
Publications
- Gorostiaga Martino K. (2002). Supercritical fluid extraction of quercetin from onion skins. Master of Science thesis. Michigan State University. East Lansing, MI, 48824.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Multiple efforts fall within the domain of this umbrella project. Extraction properties of quercetin, a naturally occurring compound in onions, are being studied to determine whether supercritical CO2 fluid extraction technology can functionally and feasibly be implemented as a natural product extraction process. Quercetin is reported to possess anticarcinogenic nutraceutical potential. Yield of quercetin from extraction is being compared to methanol extractions. Data collection on both red and yellow onion varieties is presently in progress. Present results are demonstrating quercetin can be obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction. Activities under this project have also involved working with a multidisciplinary group to enhance the development of a chestnut industry in Michigan. Specifically related to this project is the identification and implementation of techniques and technology to peel chestnuts. Studies will involve evaluation of handling processes prior to
peeling as well as equipment variables to optimize the peeling process. An effective peeling process is vital to the value-added marketing strategy being developed. Progress continues on development of new and refined concepts to electronically and nondestructively identify and quantify fruit tissue defects and disorders resulting from naturally occurring, physical, storage, or insect influences. (These efforts overlap with project MICL01676) The automated sorting studies are at the stage of concept investigation/advancement in the laboratory.
Impacts
The common impact across each study under this project is to add value and profitability to specific commodity industries by means of maintaining and assuring product quality and by developing new products which increase utilization.
Publications
- 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.
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Nondestructive sensing of fruit tissue quality characteristics using multispectral imaging techniques continues as an emphasis under this project. This specific area of study overlaps with the domain of project MICL01676. This work is at the stage of demonstrated potential with further development and refinement in progress. Nutraceuticals, natural product extracts, and biobased products from agricultural commodities continue as being potentially valuable or even vital to producers and consumers. A new study has begun under this project to extract quercetin, a compound indicated as having beneficial effects against many diseases, from onions. This study follows on a similar study to extract fresh onion flavor as a value-added product for the onion industry. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) is being evaluated as a mild extraction technique for obtaining quercetin. The SC-CO2 extracts will be compared to solvent extracts and standards. Chestnut production in
Michigan, as a hobby and as a diversification commodity for fruit producers, has increased to a level where quality evaluation, handling, storage, and processing must be considered. Initial studies are in progress to evaluate the effect of curing and storage duration on nut quality. Technology and techniques for shelling and partially processing chestnuts is in the initial stages of investigation. A study was undertaken to determine the effect of various postharvest cooling regimes on tart cherry firmness and final yield. Lower temperatures improved/increased firmness while having no adverse effect on final yield. Rate of cooling did not effect final yield. Increased tart cherry firmness improves pitting and results in higher quality processed product.
Impacts
The common impact across each study under this project is to add value and profitability to specific commodity industries by means of maintaining and assuring product quality and by developing new products which increase utilization.
Publications
- Guyer,D.E. Yang,X. 2000. Use of genetic artificial neural networks and spectral imaging for defect detection on cherries. Computers and electronics in agriculture 29:179-194.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Multispectral imaging of sweet cherries and apples coupled with utilization of an artificial neural network (ANN) is demonstrating potential as a technique to accurately discern and quantify surface tissue characteristics, including defects, with expectations of improved effectiveness to sort commodities. Multispectral reflectance data, including energy between 1000 and 2000 nm, enhances the ability to discern tissues while the genetic ANN which was applied combines pattern recognition and classification into an adaptable and flexible single process. Present research is studying the inclusion of tissue fluorescence as an additional tissue spectral characteristic. A preliminary study on using mechanical refrigeration to cool tart cherries below well water temperatures has indicated a potential to reduce water usage, decrease water disposal problems, and improve cherry quality. Improvements in water management results in a positive environmental impact while improved
cherry quality yields greater returns for producers and improved processed product.
Impacts
Accurate and flexible automated non-destructive sorting technology has the potential to result in commodities with varying maturity and quality being directed to appropriate markets, thus yielding optimal profits and maximum consumer acceptance. Improved tart cherry cooling practices can result in improved management of water resources and also result in an improved final product leading to increased utilization.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
A prototype hand-held firmness measurement instrument was developed for small fruit and berries to assist the fruit industry in quantifying an important, and widely subjective, quality parameter. The objective is a portable and cost effective device for use by individual growers and/or fieldmen. A color maturity index for dark sweet cherries was developed and is available to address the industry need of an accurate and scientifically based color standard. Imaging and reflectance data obtained at extended NIR range wavelengths (1000-2000 nm) and analyzed by neural network decision theory is providing additional information for classifying cherry tissue quality characteristics, thus, enhancing the potential for automated electronic sorting. Computer vision was combined with x-ray imaging (from a cooperating location) to examine the potential of electronic optics to identify insect infestation in tart cherries. Improved ability to identify insect infestations in fruits
and vegetables well be increasingly significant with certain EPA pesticide elimination.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Timm, E.J. and Guyer, D.E. 1998. Tart cherry firmness and quality changes during mechanical harvesting and handling. Applied Eng. in Agric., Vol. 14(2):153-158.
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
Use of loading adsorbents with onion juice as an initial flavor capture technique prior to desorption using supercritical carbon dioxide has shown to significantly increase the yield of onion flavor oil per volume of carbon dioxide solvent over the single step process of extracting from single strength onion juice (0.28g/liter single strength juice vs. 0.80g/6 liter onion juice loading on adsorbent). This demonstrates a potential of a more feasible process for extracting the unique fresh onion flavor. Studies investigating orchards for site, production, and environmental conditions which could relate to softening and damage potential in tart cherries have shown no strong relationships. Addtionally, detailed tissue analysis of soft and non-soft cherries has shown minimal relationship between softening and indicators of tissue physiology. It is concluded that more controlled experiments, as opposed to the survey approach, are needed to isolate individual conditions and
variables. Hardware and software are being configured to investigate reflected light energy in the extended NIR range to 2000 nm to determine if additional tissue quality characterization information is available in this range. Imaging in this range, rather than simple spectral response studies, allows for coupling of reflectance and spatial information.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Dron, A., Guyer, D.E., Gage, D.A., Lira, C.T. 1997. Yield and quality of onion flavor oil obtained by supercritical fluid extraction and other methods. J. of Food Process Engineering, Vol. 20(2), pp 107-124.
- Nuss, J.S., Guyer, D.E., Gage, D.A. 1997. Concentration of onion juice volatiles by reverse osmosis and its effects on supercritical CO2 extraction, Vol. 20(2), pp 125-139.
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Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
Research under this project focuses on development of new products and maintaining raw product quality to increase utilization and marketability of fruits and vegetables. Extraction of a fresh onion flavor extract utilizing supercritical fluid extraction has proven successful. This year's studies have included research into combining adsorption and SCFE to improve commercial feasibility potential for the process. Data on site conditions, production practices and fruit characteristics and chemistry were collected from multiple tart cherry orchards in Michigan and is being analyzed to determine if relationships of such exist with the industry problem of tart cherry softening. A successful approach has been developed to sort fresh sweet cherries for defects of bruising and surface cracking. The approach utilizes visible and non-visible spectroscopy combined with concepts of machine vision.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- GUYER, D. E., SINHA, N.K. 1995. Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of onion flavours - relationship of onion pyruvate content on flavour yield. J Sci Food Agr, 69,457-460.
- TIMM, E.J., GUYER, D.E., BROWN, G. K., SCHULTE, N.L. 1995. Michigan sweet cherry color measurement and prototype color chip development. Applied Engr In Agr, Vol11(3),403-407.
- NUSS, J.S. 1994. Concentration of onion juice by reverse osmosis and its effectson supercritical CO1 extraction. M.S. Thesis. Dept of Agr Engr, Michigan State University. 106pp.
- DRON, A. 1994. Yield and quality of onion flavor oil obtained by supercritical fluid extraction and other methods. M.S. Thesis. Dept of Agr Engr, Michigan State University. 82pp.
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Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
Research under this project focuses on development of new products and maintaining raw product quality to increase utilization and marketability of fruits and vegetables. Extraction of a fresh onion flavor extract utilizing supercritical fluid extraction has proven successful. This year's studies have included research into combining adsorption and SCFE to improve commercial feasibility potential for the process. Data on site conditions, production practices and fruit characteristics and chemistry were collected from multiple tart cherry orchards in Michigan and is being analyzed to determine if relationships of such exist with the industry problem of tart cherry softening. A successful approach has been developed to sort fresh sweet cherries for defects of bruising and surface cracking. The approach utilizes visible and non-visible spectroscopy combined with concepts of machine vision.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- GUYER, D.E., SINHA, N.K. 1995. Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of onion flavours - relationship of onion pyruvate content on flavour yield. J Sci Food Agr, 69,457-460.
- TIMM, E.J., GUYER, D.E., BROWN, G.K., SCHULTE, N.L. 1995. Michigan sweet cherry color measurement and prototype color chip development. Applied Engr In Agr, Vol 11(3),403-407.
- NUSS, J.S. 1994. Concentration of onion juice by reverse osmosis and its effects on supercritical CO1 extraction. M.S. Thesis. Dept of Agr Engr, Michigan State University. 106pp.
- DRON, A. 1994. Yield and quality of onion flavor oil obtained by supercritical fluid extraction and other methods. M.S. Thesis. Dept of Agr Engr, Michigan State University. 82pp.
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Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94
Outputs
The objective of this project is to study value-added processing techniques and aspects related to post harvest handling to improve fruit and vegetable quality and industry profitability. Supercritical fluid extraction studies have resulted in a fresh onion flavoring for potential use by the flavoring industry. Studies to optimize the process using reverse osmosis of juice prior to extraction have been successful. ## Cherry color chips developed as part of this project have been introduced to the sweet cherry industry on a prototype scale. The specific objective is to provide the industry with accurate and functional color standards on which to base maturity and marketing decisions, resulting in proper fruit destined for specific markets and in turn increased quality and profits. This project also involves work which relates to solving the problem of reducing soft and damaged mechanically harvested tart cherries which is a major issue for the tart cherry industry.
Research on utilizing spectral reflectance and machine vision to identify the sweet cherry defects of bruising and cracking, and in turn improve reliability and consistency of the product and reduce labor requirements, is shared between this project and another.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- GUYER, D., BROWN, G., TIMM, E., BROOK, R., MARSHALL, D. 1994. Lighting systems for fruit and vegetable sorting. Extension Bulletin E-2559. Michigan State Univ.
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Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93
Outputs
The objective of this research is to improve commodity industry profitability bymeans of efficient postharvest processes resulting in improved product quality, and by development of alternative products. (1) Research has focused on postharvest handling and maturity standard development of Michigan sweet cherries. Three seasons of data collection have been completed in addition to the development of color comparator charts which are unique to maturity development of Michigan sweet cherries. Efforts continue on compiling other cherry development parameters so producers and marketers can efficiently match cultivars and maturities to specific markets based on the parameter( deemed most critical (storage, color, flavor, size, etc.). (2) Research continues on a low-temperatu process, supercritical fluid extraction, to extract "fresh" onion oil flavoring from waste or other onions. Success has been achieved in producing the flavor and now efforts are toward optimizing the
overall process by concentrating prior to extraction with reverse osmosis, cultivar selection, and w process parameter studies. (3) Studies were undertaken during the 1993 season to identify production practices which contribute to the problem of tart cherry softening. Results showed no effect on firmness prior to typical harvest. However, such treatments may contribute to soft cherries found following the harvest and handling process which may itself be the primary factor of softening.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- TIMM, E.J., SCHULTE, N.L., BROWN, G.K., GUYER, D.E. 1993. Color measurements for dark sweet cherry maturity estimation in Michigan. Paper No. 93-1045. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI.
- TIMM, E., SCHULTE, N., BROWN, G., GUYER, D. 1993. Color measurements for dark sweet cherry maturity estimation in Michigan. Paper No. 935.15. 4th Int. Symp. Fruit, Nut & Veg. Prod. Eng. Spain.
- GUYER, D.E., SINHA, N.K., CHANG, T.S., CASH, J.N. 1993. Physiochemical and sensory characteristics of selected Michigan sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars. J. Food Quality 16: 355-370.
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Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92
Outputs
Three research foci fell under the umbrella of this project during the 1992 calendar year. Efforts continued in the area on quality and postharvest handling of Michigan sweet cherries. The primary research this past season in this area involved the measurement of sweet cherry parameters of firmness, sugars, size, anthocyanins and skin color for four cultivars over four harvest dates and three orchard sites. These measurements were compared and correlated against consumer acceptability taste tests and against quality following periods of storage. The goal is to identify maturity indices and to match fruit maturity and variety with optimal markets from processing to long distance fresh markets. Research continues on a low-temperature process to extract onion oil flavoring from waste and/or other onions. Specific sub-objectives being addressed include dehydration prior to extraction, flavor analysis, and cultivar and process parameter identification for process
optimization. Cooling tart cherries in grower tanks was researched comparing various weights of crushed ice and block ice. The goal of this research is to determine the effect "super-cooling" cherries has on improving the quality (better processed integrity and lower pit counts) and if ice can feasibly be used for this concept.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- SINHA, N.K., GUYER, D.E., GAGE, D.A., LIRA, C.T. 1992. Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of onion flavors and their analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectometry. J. Agric. and Food Chem. Vol. 40, No. 5, p 842-845.
- GUYER, D.E., SCHULTE, N.L., and TIMM, E.J. 1992. Skin and flesh color measurements of Michigan sweet cherries. Paper No. 92-7051. The ASAE, St. Joseph, MI.
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Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91
Outputs
This year's studies, related to the quality and postharvest handling of Michigansweet cherries, addressed the effects of improper fruit handling techniques in the orchard, including techniques, of hand harvesting and the subjection of fruit to adverse, yet common, temperature conditions, .on retail quality and producer returns. Emphasis was put toward understanding the maturity parameters of Michigan sweet cherry varieties for the purpose of providing producers and handlers of fresh market cherries the information to make optimal harvest and marketing decisions. Modified atmosphere packaging studies involving various levels of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and moisture continued to be a portion of this project. Results have been positive and beneficial from both the practical/applied aspect as well as the basic science aspect. Research continues to progress very well on a value-added project to utilize onion waste in the recovery of commercial onion flavorings. Processes
involving supercritical extraction, concentration, and chemical analysis are being studied in an effort to extract the "fresh" onion flavors, which are currently not available, using low temperature technology. The project has a paper in review related to the analysis of the unique flavoring extract. Currently effort is being put forth in the development of a slightly scaled-up version of the extraction apparatus such that yield, optimization, and feasibility studies can be performed.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- GUYER, D.E., BROWN, G.K., SCHULTE, N.L., TIMM, E.J. and ARMSTRONG, P.R. 1991. Investigation of parameters that affect postharvest quality of fresh market Michigan sweet cherries. Proc. 3rd. International Symposium on Fruit, Nut and Vegetab.
- GUYER, D.E., BROWN, G.K., Schulte, N.L., TIMM, E.J. and ARMSTRONG, P.R. 1991. Maturity and postharvest handling of Michigan sweet cherries. Paper 91-6045. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI.
- BROOK, R.C. and GUYER, D.E. 1990. Impact testing of potato harvesting equipment. Paper 90-6027. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI.
- GUYER, D.E., SCHULTE, N.L., TIMM, E.J. and BROWN, G.K. 1991. Minimizing apple bruising in the packing line. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2290.
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Progress 01/01/90 to 12/30/90
Outputs
Three areas of emphasis currently fall within the objectives of this postharvestand value added processing project. This was the first year of research on maintaining the quality and shelf life of Michigan sweet cherries through maturity, postharvest, and storage studies. Techniques were designed and/or obtained to monitor and document sweet cherry maturity while the fruit remained attached to the tree. Fruit was also harvested and subjected to various handling conditions, and several physical properties were monitored to evaluate fruit quality. Modified atmosphere packaging studies were performed to test the effect of a low oxygen environment on the shelf life of sweet cherries. Results have been positive and beneficial from both the practical/applied aspect as well as the fundamental findings aspect, both of which have led to clearer and more focused objectives for the coming year. Research has progressed very well on a value-added type project to utilize onion waste
for commercial onion flavorings. Processes involving supercritical extraction, concentration, and chemical analysis are being studied in an effort to extract the "fresh" onion flavors using low temperature technology. Progress is currently at the stage of compound identification, with objectives of process optimization for this coming year. Work continues toward contributing to studies and dissemination of research information in the area of maintaining fruit quality through reduction of mechanical damage of fruit on packing-lines.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- GUYER, D.E., SCHULTE, N.L., TIMM, E.J., BROWN, G.K. 1990. How to minimize bruising on the packingline. ASAE Paper No.90-6008. St. Joseph, MI: ASAE.
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Progress 06/01/89 to 12/30/89
Outputs
Work is presently focused on the identification of areas within the fruit and vegetable industry in need of research, and with the potential of providing project funding. Reviews of literature and related projects along with the preparation and submission of proposals for external funding support are also ongoing. Another emphasis is on the coordination of cooperation with multiple disciplines so as to address research areas/problems with an integrated/systems approach. Specific areas of research with good potential at this time are: Investigation and measurement of parameters related to postharvest quality of sweet cherries. Investigation of extending sweet cherry shelf life through understanding and quantifying fruit quality, and combining this with modified atmosphere packaging technology. Separation, concentration, and extraction as value added processes for new and existing fruit and vegetable food products.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.
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