The potential of backscattering imaging in evaluating the ripening stages of bananas

Determination of fruit ripening stages is related to its physicochemical properties. In this study, the potential of backscattering imaging system to classify banana according to its ripening stages was investigated. A laser diode with a wavelength of 658 nm was used to illuminate the samples and CCD camera for capturing the backscattering images. Instrumental tests of colour and total soluble solids content (TSS) for samples were carried out to relate the instrumental variables and the backscattering images. Principle component analysis (PCA) was used to classify the fruits according to variables that best define the quality-related attributes. Results indicated that there were significant differences between backscattering variable and physicochemical properties for bananas at different ripening stages. Thus, the laser light-induced backscattering imaging could be potentially used for predicting ripening stages of other fruits.