Sensors for product characterization and quality of specialty crops—A review

This review covers developments in non-invasive techniques for quality analysis and inspection of specialty crops, mainly fresh fruits and vegetables, over the past decade up to the year 2010. Presented and discussed in this review are advanced sensing technologies including computer vision, spectroscopy, X-rays, magnetic resonance, mechanical contact, chemical sensing, wireless sensor networks and radio-frequency identification sensors. The current status of different sensing systems is described in the context of commercial application. The review also discusses future research needs and potentials of these sensing technologies. Emphases are placed on those technologies that have been proven effective or have shown great potential for agro-food applications. Despite significant progress in the development of non-invasive techniques for quality assessment of fruits and vegetables, the pace for adoption of these technologies by the specialty crop industry has been slow.

Research highlights▶ Advances in instrumentation have made it possible to introduce a variety of sensors. ▶ Computer vision linked to robotics is a basic component of automated operations. ▶ A need for portable equipment for use in the field and packinghouse is recognized. ▶ Wireless sensor networks increase sensing capacity for crop production and quality monitoring. ▶ The basic sensing techniques are mostly available, but need further technological development.