Washington State University intensifies research with new optical sorting line

01 Feb 2024
1086

Washington State University implemented a new optical sorter line for last season's cherry sorting programme. The single-lane optical sorter, called InVision2, is a scaled-down version of those found in large fruit packing plants.

WSU cherry sorter Per McCord explained that the machine takes dozens of digital images of each piece of fruit, allowing the team to collect data on size, colour and defects more quickly and accurately. The sorter was developed by Compac, a New Zealand company acquired by Tomra in 2017.

The machine, which was commissioned in May and funded by a grant from AgWest Farm Credit, costs about $300,000, excluding building renovations. McCord lists three main advantages of the line: the handling of larger samples, unbiased data, and the submission of reports similar to those received in stock from growers.

Despite the presence of the optical sorter, some characteristics such as firmness and Brix will still be measured manually by staff. McCord had the opportunity to make this line through a grant and other researchers, such as Matt Whiting, have access to this technology for their research.

The machine's mapping process was a key element in the first few months of use, with McCord and research assistant Marcella Galeni teaching the computer what to look for in fruits and how to classify them. The machine will be used not only for Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials, but also for Phase 1 fruit, expanding the overall effectiveness of the university's sorting efforts.

Dena Ybarra, nurseryman and member of the selection programme's advisory board, emphasised that the line will bring efficiency to the university's selection efforts. In addition, it will allow researchers to evaluate how selections keep after being treated as if they were commercialised.

Mark Hanrahan, a Yakima Valley cherry grower and member of the breeding programme's advisory board, praised the new optical sorter for providing the team with consistent methods to measure success or failure in line with industry cherry standards.

Read the full article: Good Fruit Grower
Immagine: Good Fruit Grower


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Fruittrade 2024: Economic slowdown in China and implications for Chilean cherries

Markets

12 Nov 2024

An important consideration for Chilean cherries, however, is the economic state of their main buyer: China. Chinese trade expert Gonzalo Matamala, general manager of Giddings Cerasus Asia, with over 16 years of experience in the region, provided an overview of this vital market.

Experimentation on new cherry planting systems at FEM

Planting systems

27 Jun 2023

The plants were set up according to the chosen form of cultivation, in comparison with the traditional spindle, starting from one-year old rods. From the analysis of the data collected, some interesting indications for vegetative and productive aspects emerged.

In evidenza

Biocontrol of brown rot on cherry and plum: e5icacy, limitations and prospects

Crop protection

25 Jul 2025

A recent study tested the effectiveness of biopesticides and native microbial strains against brown rot caused by Monilinia laxa on cherry and plum. Promising results in pre-harvest phase, but limitations emerged during post-harvest at room temperature.

Oregon’s sweet cherry season turns bitter: “A manmade disaster”

Markets

25 Jul 2025

2025 is a disastrous year for Oregon’s sweet cherries: top-quality harvests remain unsold, labor shortages tied to immigration fears, and a market paying less than production costs. Small family farms face an uncertain future amid ongoing economic strain.

Tag Popolari