BIOMETRY AND NON-DESTRUCTIVE ALLOMETRIC MODEL FOR ESTIMATING BABASSU (Attalea speciosa) FRUIT VOLUME AND DENSITIES

Abstract

Biometric data of fruits, such as volume and density, can be applied for different ecological and economic purposes. Non-destructive allometric models based on morphometric dimensions can be more accurate and practical in field conditions than destructive methods used in traditional growth curves. Babassu is a Brazilian native palm tree with wide distribution whose fruits are of high importance for socioeconomic and cultural purposes, in addition to having high potential for biodiesel production. The objectives of this work were to analyse morphometric and biometrically the babassu fruits and create a non-destructive allometric model to estimate their volumes and densities from their dimensions. Weight, polar and longitudinal diameters, volume and density were measured in 156 fruits. The dimensions were applied in the formula to estimate the volume of an ellipsoid object, which matches the shape of the babassu fruit. The non-destructive allometric model was created by calculating a correction factor to adjust the precision of the formula. Our model improved the accuracy of volumes and densities calculated by 24%. Strong correlations were also found between the morphometric and biometric parameters. Therefore, this allometric model can be used to assist in selecting the most suitable fruits to improve economic, propagation and conservation studies.

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“…destructive volume estimation models developed from easily measurable parameters for different type of fruits such as pepper [15,17], Babassu (Attalea speciosa) fruit [47], Karanda (Carissa carandas) fruit [31], and Apple fruit [48]. Our findings confirmed that non-destructive allometric models based on easily measurable morphometric dimensions can be more accurate…”

Volume estimation models for avocado fruit

“…Our allometric models could provide accurate estimate of avocado fruit volume and may reduce required time and financial resources while using common method of volume measurements like water displacement, gas displacement and expensive instruments, e.g., image processing software or machine vision techniques. In line with this, review literature showed that there are different non-destructive volume estimation models developed from easily measurable parameters for different type of fruits such as pepper [ 15 , 17 ], Babassu ( Attalea speciosa) fruit [ 47 ], Karanda ( Carissa carandas ) fruit [ 31 ], and Apple fruit [ 48 ]. Our findings confirmed that non-destructive allometric models based on easily measurable morphometric dimensions can be more accurate and practical in field conditions than destructive methods used in traditional growth curves [ 18 ].…”

Weight and volume estimation of single and occluded tomatoes using machine vision

“…[5] In fruits, morphometric measurements, such as weight, size, density, surface area, and volume, are correlated and essential. [6,7] In grading and sorting of vegetables and fruits, these measurements are often used as crucial descriptors. [8] The fruit size and weight directly influence storage and transport costs, eventually influencing sales and marketing prices.…”

“…[9,10] Fruit volume and density relate to fruit consistency, carbon consumption, and water content used to forecast harvesting periods. [7,11] The average density, critical in identifying hidden defects such as frost and internal damage, can be determined when the weight is combined with the volume. [9] CONTACT Chen Kunjie kunjiechen@njau.edu.cn College of Engineering, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, 210031, P. R. China…”