The effect of dynamic loading on abrasion of mulberry fruit using digital image analysis

The quality of fruits can be reduced due to some damages and impacts which occur during harvesting. One of the most important mechanical damages that can reduce the quality of ripe fruit quality is abrasion damage. This study focused on the effect of dynamic loading based on customary harvesting method on mulberry fruit properties. To this end, different maturity stage and storage regimes were considered. Color quality parameters, firmness, total soluble solid (TSS), total anthocyanins content (TAC) and abrasion area were the measured factors. The results revealed that none of the surveyed factors were stable during the experiment. The lightness (L∗), redness (a∗), yellowness (b∗), C∗ value, firmness, TSS and TAC of immature and mature mulberry decreased during storage. The value of a∗, b∗ and C∗ increased as dropping height increased. However, L∗ value, firmness, TSS and TAC of mulberry fruit decreased at both maturity stages (immature and mature mulberry). Moreover, abrasion area increased at immature and mature mulberries by increasing the dropping height and storage time.