Volume estimation of two local pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum L.) cultivars and their components using non-destructive X-ray computed tomography technique

Abstract

In the present study, X-ray computed tomography was used as a non-destructive technique for volume estimation of two local pomegranate fruit cultivars and their components from Iran (Rabab Malas and Rabab Torsh) with two different sizes. Segmentation of internal components (peel, arils, and seeds) of the fruit was done using Matlab image processing toolbar. A high correlation was observed between extracted image features from computed tomography images and corresponding experimental measurements. The actual volume of whole fruit, peels, arils, seeds, and juice was estimated by computed tomography images nearly 97.8, 97.2, 95.1, 93.5, and 94.4%, respectively for Rabab Malas cultivar. Correspondingly, it was nearly 97.3, 94.7, 94.4, 91.8, and 91.9% for Rabab Torsh. Analysis of linear regression indicated that computed tomography scan as a non-destructive method can suitably estimate the fruit volume and its internal components, and can be employed for in-line fruit quality-monitoring systems.