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Minimization of losses of organically produced fruits and vegetables in storages by an optimized management strategy based on sensor data and an adaptive model for prediction of quality development and shelf live (OpLaMa)
Project
Project code: 2819OE039
Contract period: 15.09.2020
- 14.09.2023
Budget: 198,225 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: food quality, modeling, organic farming, quality control, sensor technology, storage protection, quality management, ingredients, climate (climate relevance, climate protection, climate change), monitoring
The research project focus on two aspects: The first goal is the non-destructive quality analysis of organically produced fruits and vegetables by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Beside common organoleptic parameters like the content of sugars and acids or firmness, also health-promoting ingredients such as polyphenols or antioxidants and parameters to predict shelf life (e.g. metabolic N pools) will be analyzed. The measurements are done with a laboratory spectrometer as well as with a portable hand-held device, which can be used for on-site measurements later. The second goal is the development of close-knit and flexible networks of low cost sensors to monitor environmental conditions (air and product temperature, moisture, atmosphere) in the storage. Based on the sensor data intelligent control algorithms to maintain optimal conditions will be build. The storage trials will be done firstly in small-scale storage boxes, where temperature, humidity and atmosphere can be controlled exactly and secondly in the commercial storage facilities of the company etepetete GmbH. The Start Up is located in Munich and runs an innovative box scheme for organically produced fruits and vegetables, which does not match traditional quality categories of the food retailing industry. Finally, the two aspects – non-destructive measurement of quality and monitoring of storage conditions – will be fused to build adaptive and sensor-based models for the prediction of quality development of fruits and vegetables. This prediction models enable intelligent management strategies, by which the current 'First In – First Out' method can be replaced by a more flexible 'First Expired – First Out' strategy. This might help to reduce food losses during storage.
Section overview
Subjects
- Arboriculture
- Vegetable Gardening
- Food Processing
- Organic Farming
- Climate Change
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
