F-751 Avocado Quality Meter Archives

What is Fresh Produce Postharvest Physiological Disorder?

Physiological disorders are stress responses in fresh produce that cause cellular necrosis and can be expressed in many ways. Fresh produce susceptibility to physiological disorders varies by genotype and can result from one or more environmental factors. The causal factors of postharvest physiological disorder can be preharvest and/or postharvest conditions. Physiological disorders and pathological causes account… Continue reading…

What Is Dry Matter Content and Why It’s Crucial for Fresh Produce Quality?

Dry matter is measured on farms to monitor maturity and determine the optimal harvest time for climacteric fruits and vegetables. In the postharvest stage, dry matter is used for quality control for sorting and grading fresh produce. Dry matter determines the storage, transport, and ripening conditions to achieve optimum quality and extended shelf life. Wholesalers,… Continue reading…

How Does Bruise Susceptibility in Fresh Produce Impact Quality and Harvest Timing?

Bruise susceptibility varies based on the species, cultivar, and physical and physiological properties of fresh produce. The critical bruising threshold estimates the bruise susceptibility of fruits at different firmness. A critical bruising threshold has been used to develop a harvest maturity index that identifies the minimum firmness (or maximum maturity) for harvesting stone fruits. Bruising… Continue reading…

What Is the Avocado Harvest Maturity Index and How Is It Measured?

Physical and chemical parameters and crop chronology are avocado harvest maturity indices. Physical quality parameters, especially appearance, are commonly used worldwide. Dry matter content measured by near-infrared spectroscopy-based devices has become the industry standard maturity index. Sugar content is not a reliable avocado harvest maturity index. Avocado fruits go through four stages of maturity and… Continue reading…

How to Determine the Right Avocado Harvest Maturity Index for Optimal Quality

Physical and chemical parameters and crop chronology are used as harvest maturity indices for avocados. Physical quality parameters, especially appearance, are commonly used worldwide. Dry matter content measured by near-infrared spectroscopy-based devices has become the industry standard maturity index. Sugar content is not a reliable avocado harvest maturity index. Avocado fruits go through four stages… Continue reading…

Five Significant Research Findings on Fruit Quality Management in 2024

Fruit quality studies in 2024 aim to future-proof food production against the vagaries of climate change and to meet increasing demand. As in previous years, the focus remains on eradicating chemicals to improve food and environment safety. Research on AI-based models and tools is a standard theme, but it is diversifying to produce cost-effective versions… Continue reading…

Harvest Index vs Harvest Maturity Index: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

The harvest index and harvest maturity index maximize yield and quality but involve different purposes, measurement methods, stakeholders, timing, and target crops. The harvest index is used during the research and cultivar development stage to measure plant function efficiency and estimates the carbon allotted to make harvestable products. The harvest maturity index estimates the best… Continue reading…

What are Harvest Maturity Indices? Why are they Important?

Harvest maturity indices can be fresh produce’s physical, chemical, physiological, or chronological attributes. The choice of harvest maturity indices will differ and must be based on species and economics. The optimum methods to measure harvest indices are objective, quantitative, non-destructive, and easy to use. Fresh produce suffers the maximum loss and waste. One reason is… Continue reading…

Implementing Technology for Farm Growth: A Conversation with Steve Haddock of Choice Farms

Discover the inspiring journey of Steve Haddock, a seasoned expert who boldly shifted from industrial resin flooring to pioneering sustainable agriculture at Choice Farms. In this exclusive webinar, Steve shares his profound insights into the world of regenerative farming, where he combines modern technology with time-tested agricultural practices to cultivate Manuka, lavender, and avocados. Learn…

How Fruit Quality Monitoring Improves Sustainability and Reduces Food Loss

Fruit quality monitoring is an integral part of the fresh produce supply chain. Fruit quality monitoring improves productivity and reduces food loss on farm and postharvest stages to enhance food security and responsible production. The environmental impacts indirectly through quality monitoring are reduced carbon footprint, less water resource depletion and pollution, and better biodiversity protection… Continue reading…