Umesh Kumar Acharya

Research Organisation: Centre for Plant and Water Science
Field of Research: Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
Supervisor(s): Prof. Kerry Walsh; Dr. Phul Subedi
Student Type: Doctor of Philosophy

Contact Details

Phone: 07 4930 9606
Email: u.acharya@cqu.edu.au

Research Details

Thesis Name: The use of non-invasive techniques for the assessment of fruit maturity and quality

Thesis Abstract:

Fruits vary in size, shape, color and chemical composition, with this variation only partly due to variation in maturity/ripening stage. Fruit has long been graded on size, shape and color, and since the 1990s, near infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used in a commercial context, both off and online, to assess soluble sugar content of certain fruit. NIRS may be applicable to measure fruit maturation (ability to ripen) or ripeness (as assessed by attributes such as dry matter content, pigmentation, acidity and firmness), in terms of quality control on time of harvest or out-turn from ripening rooms. Further, NIRS may be applicable for assessment of a character that renders the product unfit for market (e.g. pesticide residue). The use of non-invasive technique and NIRS in particular, for the assessment of such quality concerns, is examined within this research project.

Why my research is important/Impacts:

Fruit consumers and retailers want to assure that each fruit they buy must meet specified quality standards. However, it is not possible to assess such quality parameters of individual fruit it is labour consuming, time taking and involve destruction of the fruits. One technology can be used to check quality parameter non-destructively is Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy. My research considers the use of this technology in context of assessment of attributes such as lycopene content, dry matter content, acidity and pesticide uses. My research outcomes should assist farm managers to make decision on when to harvest their fruits; and also help fruit and vegetable retailers like Coles and Woolworths to purchase and sell fruits which meet quality standard. Further, my research outcomes may also help researchers and NIRS equipment manufactures to get direction on technology strengths and limitations.

Funding/Scholarship: AusAid