Non-destructive evaluation of ripening and quality traits in apples using a multiparametric fluorescence sensor.
BACKGROUND
The detection of pigments and colourless flavonoids in apples can provide a useful indication of fruit quality. Optical methods are preferable because they are fast and non-destructive. In this study, a fluorescence-based portable sensor was used in order to non-invasively determine the content of chlorophylls, anthocyanins and flavonols in Fuji, Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apple cultivars. The aim was to define new non-destructive optical indices of apple quality.


RESULTS
The anthocyanin index (ANTH) in Fuji was higher in the sunny (i.e. sun-exposed) side of the fruit compared to the shady side. For all cultivars, the flavonol index (FLAV) was higher in the sunny side compared with the shady side. The chlorophyll index (CHL) for the shady sides of Granny Smith and Golden Delicious was significantly higher than for the sunny sides. Fine linear regressions were found between the ANTH, FLAV and CHL indices and the actual anthocyanin, flavonol and chlorophyll concentrations, respectively, which were determined destructively on the apple peel extracts. A negative correlation was found between the apple sugar content and the chlorophyll fluorescence in the far-red spectral band.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that a single multiparametric fluorescence-based sensor can provide valuable non-destructive markers of ripening and quality in apples.
"Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel", Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Caixa Posta n° 354-Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
Débora L
DL
Betemps
José Carlos
JC
Fachinello
Simone P
SP
Galarça
Nicácia M
NM
Portela
Damiano
D
Remorini
Rossano
R
Massai
Giovanni
G
Agati
D000872:Anthocyanins / Q000032:analysis*; D002734:Chlorophyll / Q000032:analysis*; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000032:analysis*; D044948:Flavonols / Q000032:analysis*; D005453:Fluorescence; D005504:Food Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000592:standards; D016014:Linear Models; D027845:Malus / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000145:classification / Q000254:growth & development; D013045:Species Specificity; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D013472:Sunlight
D000872:Anthocyanins; D019422:Dietary Sucrose; D044948:Flavonols; D002734:Chlorophyll