Potential for Sensor Systems to Monitor Fruit Physiology of Mango during Long-Distance Transport (Special Contents : Sensors and Monitoring for Production and Distribution of a Tropical Fruit)

Mango is a widely cultivated tropical fruit crop and exhibits climacteric behavior characterized by changes in respiration and ethylene production during development and ripening. Optimal postharvest ripening depends on many factors, but during shipping to distant high-value markets, ripening generally should be minimized. Monitoring the physiological activity presents possibilities for real-time response and the integration of smart technologies. However, systems are still needed which are portable, economical, and accurate. Optical sensors are low-cost but lack good accuracy, while electrochemical sensors are highly accurate but expensive. Economic nanoparticle sensors are being developed for potential applications in fruit quality monitoring, but they can be complex. This work explores possibilities for development of a monitoring system for climacteric fruits such as mango and presents results on testing of commercially available systems and development of sensors that will fit the criteria.