Farmers Can Now Use Leaf Scans to Determine Fruit Ripeness

Farmers may soon be able to leave their fruit intact while assessing its ripeness, thanks to a groundbreaking technique developed by scientists at Spain’s Universitat Rovira i Virgili. This innovative method allows for the analysis of leaves adjacent to fruit, potentially increasing crop yields and minimizing waste during harvest.

The new technology was tested over an 11-week period on 12 nectarine trees in a commercial orchard. Researchers utilized two spectrometers to perform near-infrared and mid-infrared scans on the top and undersides of leaves. The way these leaves absorb or reflect light provides valuable information about the ripeness of the fruit nearby.

Dr. Daniel Schorn, a member of the research team, explained, “The leaves undergo physiological and biochemical changes as the fruit ripens, due to the direct connection between the metabolism of the leaves and that of the fruit. These changes are reflected in their spectral fingerprint.”

Currently, the technique has shown impressive accuracy in indicating crucial fruit characteristics such as weight and firmness. However, other ripeness indicators, including sugar content, pH, and acidity, do not yet provide the same level of precision. Researchers are optimistic that further development will enhance the system’s capabilities.

Fruit ripeness is traditionally evaluated by picking and scanning individual fruits, which can damage their skins and ultimately diminish their market value. The new method aims to change this by allowing farmers to scan leaves instead. This not only preserves the fruit but also enables farmers to assess the ripeness of entire crops through representative samples.

The researchers envision a future where portable scanners facilitate the process in the field, allowing farmers to selectively pick only ripe fruits from individual trees while leaving others to mature.

This study highlights a significant advancement in agricultural technology, showcasing how innovative approaches can enhance efficiency and sustainability in farming practices. The findings of this research are detailed in a paper recently published in the journal ACS Agricultural Science & Technology.

As the agricultural industry continues to face challenges related to food production and sustainability, techniques like this offer promising solutions that could transform how farmers manage their crops.