project - EIP-AGRI Operational Group
Determining the optimal harvest time for yellow Golden Delicious and red Gala apple cultivars to satisfy consumers and adapt to new preservation techn
Context
Consumers’ apple preferences have changed over time. In particular, there is a move toward a yellower skin for the Golden Delicious cultivar and a redder colouring for the Gala cultivar. These demands mean the trend is towards a crop with more mature characteristics than two decades ago. In addition, the introduction of 1-MCP technology applied pre- and post-harvest has made it possible to maintain the quality of the climacteric fruit during storage and prolong its commercial life. At the same time, new preservation technologies have been established using dynamic atmosphere systems that reduce the range of difference in the fruit and extend the preservation period while maintaining quality. This background has led to the detection of the need to establish new pre- and post-harvest parameters and dynamic atmosphere conservation techniques suitable for the new consumption trends, using Golden Delicious and Gala as study varieties.
The project also includes the development of tools for technical advisors, producers and harvest workers, to decide on when to harvest once the optimal parameters for satisfying consumers’ demands have been obtained.
Objectives
• Establish harvesting parameters that maximise consumer satisfaction, including new trends based on the technical pathway set by new technologies (1-MCP pre- and post-harvest, dynamic atmosphere and new cultivars)
• Develop tools to determine optimal harvesting time based on established harvesting parameters:
o Semi-automated starch index determination using image analysis and AI (machine learning) algorithms
o Adjusting the DA-meter to the new harvesting parameters
o Developing a visual scale with the appropriate shade of red for harvesting highly coloured Gala cultivars
Activities
- Action 1. Establishing harvesting parameters that maximise consumer satisfaction, including new trends based on the technical pathway set by new technologies (1-MCP pre- and post-harvest, dynamic atmosphere and new cultivars).
- Action 2. Establishing new, reliable and easy-to-implement maturity measurement parameters for technicians and harvesters, adapted to the new harvesting criteria for Gala apples.
- Action 3. Dissemination, training and transfer. A dissemination action will be carried out for the results transfer and training will be given for harvesters to provide them the technical knowledge for the fruit sector.
Project details
- Main funding source
- Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups
- Rural Development Programme
- 2014ES06RDRP009 Spain - Rural Development Programme (Regional) - Cataluña
Location
- Main geographical location
- Girona
EUR 130 380.00
Total budget
Total contributions from EAFRD, national co-financing, additional national financing and other financing.
Contacts
Project coordinator
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Josep Maria Cornell
Project coordinator