Classification of Safou (Dacryodes edulis) fruit size and shape on mass and outer dimensions

Abstract

Fruit size and shape are important quality parameters for product appreciation by consumers. However, aspect ratio (width over length) was used to perform the choice of ratios for fruits shape determination and mass for fruit category. This study was carried to quantitative classify Safou size and shape in bush butter (Dacryodes edulis (G. Don) H.J. Lam) fruits using fruit mass, as well as outer length and width measurements (aspect ratio). Results obtained showed that mass and aspect ratio can be used to classify Safou fruit size (small, medium and large) and shape (ellipsoidal, Obovate and spheroidal), respectively.Medium-sized fruits were the most represented. Irrespective of thefruit size, the ellipsoidal shape was most frequent and spheroidal shape was mostly found amongst small fruits and not amongst large fruits.