The technology was developed by an American research team from Georgia, The discovery is mainly intended to limit the onion diseases 'neck rot' and 'sour skin'. The diseases are mainly prevalent during storage and are hard to detect. By the time the decay is visible to the human eye, half of the stock is often already contaminated.
The results of the three year research project should show results. A team of scientists designed an electronic nose with which to monitor stored onions. The e-nose collects data and sends it to a computer. When the computer recognises the scent as that of a diseased onion, it sends out a warning. Being on time prevents further decay.
The onion is one of the most grown crops in Georgia. In 2013 the production was worth $ 93 million. The researchers hope the technology will soon be available to growers.
source: duurzaambedrijfsleven.nl
The results of the three year research project should show results. A team of scientists designed an electronic nose with which to monitor stored onions. The e-nose collects data and sends it to a computer. When the computer recognises the scent as that of a diseased onion, it sends out a warning. Being on time prevents further decay.
$ 93 million
Besides the e-nose the researchers also developed an image forming system that detects the so-called sour skin disease. By using the system in the packaging line, rotten onions are prevented from reaching the consumer. A second image forming system picks out onions with a high level of dry dust. These are of high value to the onion powder industry.
source: duurzaambedrijfsleven.nl