Abstract
The present paper presents the trial manufacture of an apparatus that would bring closer the realization of a fruit growers' desire ; i.e., to be able to precisely assess the degree of maturity of fruits on the tree without picking them. Technology for assessing the degree of maturity of fruits based on quantifying chlorophyll content by photonics with near infrared (NIR) light reflection has already been established. However, conventional devices cannot be applied to maturity evaluation of pre-harvested fruits in the orchard. The device described herein enables within a few seconds evaluation of the degree of maturity by measuring the chlorophyll content of a fruit on the tree even under tough conditions. The data obtained outdoors were well matched to those collected under ideal conditions in the laboratory.
