What was it all about?

This project, which ran from 2016 to 2017, was tasked with helping mango growers adopt near-infrared (NIR) technology for assessing and tracking fruit maturity leading up to and during harvest season.

Specifically, it provided instruction and technical support in the calibration and use of Felix 750 Produce Quality Meters – hand-held NIR guns used to rapidly, accurately and non-destructively measure dry matter content (and so indicate maturity) prior to picking.

Overall, the NIR technology was demonstrated as a useful tool for planning and timing harvest, in conjunction with other indicators.

The project visited 61 farms in Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory, with over 6000 scans across five mango varieties taking place. Growers could take part by requesting an assessment through local growing associations and industry development officers.

The Felix Produce Quality meters were reliably calibrated for Kensington Pride, R2E2, Calypso and Honey Gold mangoes.