Investigating non-destructive quantification and characterization of pomegranate fruit internal structure using X-ray computed tomography

• X-ray CT was used to non-destructively evaluate internal structures of pomegranate fruit.
• Image analysis algorithm to compute volume of arils, albedo and air spaces was developed.
• Characterization of fruit with and without chilling injury was achieved using X-ray CT.

In this study, X-ray computed tomography (CT) coupled with image analysis techniques was investigated for non-destructive characterization and quantification of internal structure of intact pomegranate fruit (cv. Shani-Yonay). X-ray tomograms of intact fruit were acquired using a V|Tome|X L240 commercial X-ray CT system based on X-ray radiation generated from a source voltage of 200 kV with the electron current set at 100 μA. Two-dimensional (2D) radioscopic images were acquired with a microfocus direct X-ray tube and used to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) images to quantify volumes occupied by air space, albedo, and arils, using image processing software. The calculated volumes for these fruit fractions were 7.82 ± 1.09, 167.29 ± 16.54, and 182.11 ± 17.04 mL, estimated to contribute 2.22, 46.86 and 50.92% of total fruit volume, respectively. Destructive validation data were similar to non-destructive data, with volumes for albedo and arils of 166.08 ± 14.69 and 170.58 ± 14.25 mL, respectively, contributing 46.07 and 47.32% of total fruit volume. The remaining 6.61% of total fruit volume tested destructively could be due to the presence of air space and calyx. This work has demonstrated the capability of X-ray CT with image analysis as a useful non-destructive technique to study the quantity and distribution of edible and non-edible portions of pomegranate fruit.

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