ABSTRACT
A number of nondestructive methods have been developed to detect defects and evaluate physical characteristics associated with quality of agricultural products. The methods involve the application of a well-characterized source of energy (such as x-rays, light, infrared radiation, or sonic energy) to the test object. Because of the composition and condition of the material, the input energy is modified in some unique manner. The difference between the input energy and energy response can be measured and recorded, and may provide a basis for development of empirical relations and correlations for assessing quality-related factors. This paper reviews some of the nondestructive techniques which have been developed for testing agricultural products.
ABSTRACT
A nondestructive resonance technique for measuring the textural qualities of apple fruit was evaluated. The resonance frequency, f, and the mass, m, were measured on each intact fruit, and a factor, f2 m, was computed. This resonance factor, f2 m, directly reflected the elastic properties of the fruit flesh and correlated significantly with sensory judgements of apple firmness during harvest. The dynamic resonance test is not as reliable an index of sensory firmness as the pressure test, but it has the advantage of being nondestructive.
