Estimating the mass of mango fruit (Mangifera indica, cv. Chok Anan) from its geometric dimensions by optical measurement

Uniform fruit mass and shapes of mangoes for export are required in order to ease handling and transportation, and to help satisfy consumer preferences. However, with its irregular shape, one which cannot be approximated by using standard geometrical figures, the mango is not as easy to model as round or oval-shaped fruits.In this study, more than 1000 mango ‘Chok Anan’ fruit were measured with respect to their length, maximum width and maximum thickness, to within an accuracy of 1.0  mm, and their weight was determined to within an accuracy of 0.1  g. Pictures were taken of 30 fruit, through the use of digital cameras, manually rectified and analyzed by use of “Measure 2.1” a computer code.An equation was proposed in order to calculate the mass of the mangoes based on three geometric dimensions, which then showed a high level of explanatory power of R2 = 0.97. The root mean standard error of 12.22 was determined, and the mean relative deviation found was 0.05. Based on measurements taken from the digital photos, the equation was then used to determine the estimated mass based on three dimensions. Estimated and measured values were plotted against each other. A high correlation (R2 = 0.96) was found between measured and calculated mass.It was shown that the mass can be estimated based on data obtained from two orthogonally taken photographs.

Research highlights▶ Data about typical mass, size and dimensions of Chok Anan mango fruit is provided. ▶ A correlation between geometric dimensions and mass of Chok Anan mango fruit is established. ▶ An equation to be used in contact-less sizing procedures of Chok Anan mango fruit, e.g. for sorting lines, was developed.