A novel identification method for CPPU‐treated kiwifruits based on images

Abstract

BACKGROUND The application of exogenous plant growth regulator, for example forchlorfenuron (CPPU), on kiwifruits has become an important factor that influences kiwifruit economic efficiency and the health development of the kiwifruit industry. Owing to the slight difference in calyx shape between the kiwifruits treated with CPPU (CPPU‐treated kiwifruits) and the kiwifruits without CPPU treatment (CPPU‐untreated kiwifruits), this study aims to provide a cheap, quick, convenient, and non‐destructive method for identifying CPPU‐treated kiwifruits based on the images of kiwifruits captured at visible lights. RESULTS The identification method includes three steps. Firstly, the kiwifruit was extracted from the background by using Otsu algorithm, hole filling operation and ‘bwareaopen’ function. Secondly, the calyx was extracted by using corrosion, image enhancement, hole filling and closing operations. Finally, the length/width ratio of the minimum enclosing rectangle of calyx region was calculated. The kiwifruit was regarded as a CPPU‐treated kiwifruit if the length/width ratio of the rectangle was higher than 1.6. Otherwise, the kiwifruit was regarded as a CPPU‐untreated one. The method had the total identification accuracy rate of 90.0% when the kiwifruit images were captured either by utilizing a smartphone at normal lighting condition or by using an image acquisition system. CONCLUSION The programs run on computer and smartphone were developed, and they could realize kiwifruit identification in 0.6 s and 2 s, respectively. The study makes identifying CPPU‐treated kiwifruits in online processing be realizable, and offers a convenient method for kiwifruit consumers. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

Fungal-Mediated Biotransformation of the Plant Growth Regulator Forchlorfenuron by Cunninghamella elegans

“…In a more recent study evaluating the potential safety risks of FCF on juvenile rats, Ping et al emphasized the risks of FCF exposure in children after finding that juvenile rats exhibited reduced plasma clearance (CLz) when compared to adult rats [20]. With human populations facing increased exposure to FCF residues through the consumption of fruits and vegetables, these bioaccumulations have also been shown to cause cyto-genotoxicity in human lymphocytes [21][22][23].…”

Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study of Forchlorfenuron in Adult and Juvenile Rats

“…CPPU residues have been reported in fruit [ 2 , 13 ], suggesting that humans may be exposed to CPPU through the intake of both fruit and vegetables [ 14 , 15 ]. While CPPU ingestion may have detrimental health effects, studies on its pharmacokinetics (PK) in animals have been limited, it is necessary to develop a method for the detection of plasma CPPU.…”