The effect of compressibility, loading position and probe shape on the rupture probability of tomato fruits

In this study, factors affecting the rupture probability of tomato fruits were investigated. The experiments were carried out at five compressibility levels (4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20%), four loading positions and two probe shapes. The fruit size, shape and mass did not have a significant effect on the rupture probability. The compressibility was the most important independent variable affecting the rupture probability of tomato fruits in the model. The rupture probability of quadrilocular tomato fruit loaded from the cross-wall tissue was the highest, and the odds of being ruptured was 14.5 times higher for quadrilocular tomato fruit loaded from the cross-wall tissue compared to the locular tissue. The curved probe was much more sensitive than the plate probe for rupturing of tomato fruits during the compression tests. It is clear that these investigated factors need to be considered carefully in design and control of tomato harvesting equipment.