Washington State University intensifies research with new optical sorting line

01 Feb 2024
1062

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

Effect of multifunctional nets on high-density cherry crops

Covers

20 Jun 2023

At the IX International Cherry Symposium in Beijing there was much discussion on cherry covers and their impact on fruit growth and quality. Here a summary of the work presented by Andrea Giovannini and the Fruit Tree Ecophysiology group of DISTAL - University of Bologna.

From Australia AI revolution in fruit fly detection

Crop protection

25 Jun 2024

Australian researchers have tested a new way to detect the fruit beetle using an artificial intelligence-programmed optical scan. The CSIRO project, led by entomologist Maryam Yazdani, aims to make detection more efficient and effective.

In evidenza

Cherries worldwide: Turkey, Chile and USA lead global production and exports

Markets

04 Jul 2025

Turkey is now the world's leading cherry producer, followed by Chile and the USA. Based on FAO data, historical trends and projections to 2028, this article offers a full overview of the global cherry market, key exporting nations and the strategies of major producing countries.

CherryTech 2025: the largest technical showcase of the cherry industry

Events

04 Jul 2025

CherryTech 2025 brought together more than 1,600 professionals in Chile to explore the future of cherry production. With masterclasses, expert forums, and cutting-edge research, the event highlighted the importance of innovation, pruning techniques, and sustainable practices.

Tag Popolari