Subject of study. This study focuses on the acquisition, processing, and interpretation methods and algorithms for spectral images aimed at evaluating surface defects in fruits. Aim of study. The aim of this study is to develop a method for assessing fruit preservation techniques based on the automatic detection and quantitative evaluation of surface defects using imaging spectroscopy. Method. Spectral images were acquired using an acousto-optical imaging spectrometer with a spectral range of 450–850 nm and a bandwidth of 2.5 nm at a wavelength of 650 nm, with a 5 nm step. For processing the spectral images, well-established operations and algorithms for data enhancement and analysis were employed. These included correction for uneven illumination, correction for spatial and spectral inhomogeneity of the optical system’s transmittance coefficient, various image filtering techniques, and threshold binarization. Object classification was based on spectral features. The proposed approach was tested in an experimental study that evaluated the effectiveness of preservation techniques for peaches and nectarines using a treatment that inhibits ethylene production. Main results. A methodology for spectral image acquisition and processing was developed, enabling the automated detection and quantification of surface defects on fruits. An evaluative parameter, defined as the ratio of the defect area to the total surface area of the fruit, was introduced. This parameter allowed for comparison under different experimental conditions. The approving of the approach demonstrated the feasibility of automated defect size determination on fruit surfaces, with a relative error of 11%. Practical significance. The developed data processing algorithms enable regular diagnostics of samples and early identification of defects. The methodology for data acquisition and processing can be extended to devices based on other physical principles for obtaining the spatial distribution of spectral characteristics of objects. This solution complements existing methods for assessing fruit preservation techniques and contributes to the integration of imaging spectrometers into routine practices within the agro-industrial sector.

Перспективным направлением в промышленном садоводстве является культивирование персиков и нек- таринов в условиях влажных субтропиков России. При достижении плодами потребительской спелости стоит задача поиска эффективного метода продления их сроков хранения с минимальными потерями пищевкусовых характерис- тик. Оптимальный способ обработки субтропических культур перед закладкой на хранение позволит предотвратить экономические потери сельскохозяйственных предприятий и увеличить сроки потребления сезонных отечественных фруктов. Газ 1-метилциклопропен является ингибитором синтеза и поглощения этилена – природного гормона созре- вания, перезревания и порчи плодов. Изучена возможность использования препарата «Фреш-Форма» на основе 1-ме- тилциклопропена (1-MЦP) в послеуборочной обработке плодов перспективных отечественных культур для продления их сроков хранения и оценена эффективность его применения. Объектом исследования были плоды персика сорта Редхавен и нектарина сорта Сильвер Рома, выращенные на базе опытно-коллекционных насаждений ФИЦ «Субтро- пический научный центр Российской академии наук». Опытные образцы персиков и нектаринов обрабатывали препа- ратом. Контролем служили необработанные плоды. Все образцы хранили в одинаковых условиях. Для мониторинга качества плодов провели 2 блока биохимических анализов в начале (1-е сут) и в конце опыта (25-е сут). Определено количественное содержание органических кислот, из которых доминирующими были яблочная и лимонная. Просле- жены изменения в содержании аскорбиновой кислоты как важного показателя обменных процессов, происходивших в плодах после сбора. Приведены данные по накоплению дисахаридов и их частичной трансформации в плодах в про- цессе хранения. Определено количественное содержание общих полифенолов. Проведен мониторинг возникновения порчи у плодов. Установлено, что при применении препарата потери персиков сократились в 1,3 раза, нектаринов – в 1,6 раза. Результаты настоящего исследования могут использоваться в планировании деятельности предприятий по выращиванию плодовых культур, а также сельскохозяйственными производителями для доведения до потребителя устойчивой к распространенным физиологическим заболеваниям продукции с минимальными потерями и выпадами. A promising area in industrial horticulture is the cultivation of peaches and nectarines in the humid subtropics of Russia. When fruits reach consumer ripeness, the task is to fi nd an effective method to extend their shelf life with minimal loss of taste characteristics. The optimal method for processing subtropical crops before storing will prevent economic losses of agricultural enterprises and increase the period of consumption of seasonal domestic fruits. Gas 1-methylcyclopropene is an inhibitor of the synthesis and absorption of ethylene, a natural hormone of ripening, overripening and spoilage of fruits. The possibility of using the drug «Fresh-Forma» based on 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) in post-harvest processing of fruits of promising domestic crops to extend their shelf life and an assessment of the effectiveness of its use was studied. The object of the study was the fruits of the Redhaven peach and Silver Roma nectarine variety, grown on the basis of experimental collection plantings of the Federal Research Center «Subtropical Researc h Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences». Experimental samples of peaches and nectarines were treated with the preparation. Untreated fruits served as a control. All samples were stored under the same conditions. To monitor the quality of the fruits, two blocks of biochemical analyses were carried out at the beginning (day 1) and end of the experiment (day 25). The quantitative content of organic acids was determined, of which malic and citric acids were dominant. Changes in the content of ascorbic acid as an important indicator of metabolic processes occurring in the fruits after harvesting were tracked. Data on the accumulation of disaccharides and their partial transformation in fruits during storage are provided. The quantitative content...

Cultivation of Russian plum in the humid subtropics conditions of Russia is a promising direction for industrial horticulture. The key task is the development of technologies that ensure prolongation of storage life of fruits without deterioration of their nutritional and consumer properties. Optimization of postharvest processing becomes especially important for minimizing economic losses and extending the time window for selling seasonal products. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of a preparation based on 1-methylcyclopropene (“1-MCP “Fresh-Form”) for prolongation of cold storage of two varieties of Russian plum of medium maturity – ‘Gek’ and ‘July Rose’. The research included a comprehensive study of biochemical and organoleptic parameters of fruits to substantiate the suitability of varieties for prolonged storage and validation of postharvest processing technology. Preparation “1-MCP “Fresh-Form” is a gaseous compound 1-methylcyclopropene, which belongs to the class of ethylene inhibitors, a phytohormone regulating the cascade of biochemical reactions associated with ripening, senescence and destructive processes in the postharvest period. Experimental fruit samples after harvesting were divided into two groups: control and 1-MCP-treated. Storage was carried out in industrial chambers at a temperature of (+2 ± 0.5) °C and humidity of 85–90 %. Quality monitoring included quantitative analysis of organic acids, determination of ascorbic acid dynamics, evaluation of carbohydrate profile (sucrose, glucose, fructose), calculation of sugar-acid index and soluble solids content, quantitative determination of total polyphenols, organoleptic evaluation. The study revealed varietal specificity of biochemical response of plum fruits of ‘Gek’ and ‘July Rose’ varieties to the treatment during cold storage. A decrease in carbohydrate metabolism and degradation of ascorbic acid was found, with simultaneous active synthesis of polyphenols. The ‘Gek’ variety showed resistance to the treatment, while the ‘July Rose’ variety showed susceptibility. The treatment increased the shelf life by 46 %. Application of 1-MCP confirmed the effectiveness in prolongation of storage of Russian plum without critical loss of quality. The obtained data indicate the feasibility of technology implementation in agropractice of the region with adaptation of treatment protocols to varietal specificity of metabolism.

Feijoa fruits are known for their pronounced post-harvest ripening. Phytopathogen-infected specimens pose a significant risk to storage stability and overall fruit quality. Early detection and removal of defective fruits during the initial storage stages are critical for maintaining market value and preventing the spread of disease. In this study, we analyze how the multispectral reflectance properties of the feijoa surface change in response to various defects. ‘Superba’ cultivar fruits were selected, including healthy controls and samples exhibiting bruises, anthracnose, stink bug damage, tissue suberization, and gray mold. Biochemical analyses were conducted to measure the levels of organic acids, sugars, ascorbic acid, and total polyphenols. Multispectral imaging was performed with a 12-channel camera operating in the 400–1000 nm wavelength range. Results showed that the fruits affected by gray mold had the lowest concentrations of malic and citric acids but the highest levels of succinic acid. Fruits with anthracnose or insect damage exhibited the highest sugar content. Distinct differences in spectral reflectance were observed between healthy and affected areas of fruit. Based on these findings, an image processing algorithm for defective fruit detection was developed.

Background. Fruit quality assessment based on the analysis of biochemical markers using capillary electrophoresis is a promising field of analytical research. This method provides high resolution when analyzing multicomponent mixtures (organic acids, sugars, etc.) with minimal reagent consumption. Its application is essential for the development of competitive subtropical fruit crop cultivars adapted to Russian environments and capable of replacing imported produce. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 5 cultivars of peach, 3 of nectarine, 5 of feijoa, and 5 of Actinidia . Fruits were sampled in the commercial maturity stage. Quantification of organic acids and sugars was performed by capillary electrophoresis using a Kapel-105M system (75 µm quartz capillary) with flow-through detection and data processing using the Elforan software. Results and conclusion. Significant intervarietal differences were revealed the content of the analyzed compounds. The peach cv. ‘Redhaven’ demonstrated a balanced acid profile (4.28 mg/g of malic acid, and 4.78 of citric acid), while cv. ‘Osenniy Rumyanets’ had the highest total sugar content (198.56 mg/g). The nectarine cv. ‘Obilny’ also showed the maximum total sugar content (195.61 mg/g). The feijoa cv. ‘Superba’ had the highest sucrose content (101.70 mg/g), and cv. ‘SHV-07’ the maximum of monosaccharides. Fructose and glucose predominated in cvs. ‘Apsny’ and ‘Pobeditel’ of Actinidia , while cv. ‘Otkhara’ contained the maximum of total sugars among Actinidia cultivars (217.41 mg/g). Capillary electrophoresis proved effective as a primary method for screening biochemical markers. The data obtained provided a scientific basis for breeding fruit cultivars with improved flavor and nutritional value in Russia’s subtropical climate.