2024-10-26 03:30:00
According to statistics from the Argentine Comprehensive Cherry Producers Association (CAPCI), as of 2024, Argentina has exported 7,210 tons of cherries to Europe, the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore and China, with an average price of US$4 per kilogram. To maintain this commercial value and improve the quality of exported cherries, a team of INTA experts developed an electronic cherry that records where the fruit is hit and improves the process..
“In order to minimize damage to cherries during the packaging and final shipping stages, We developed an electronic cherry with sensors that can go through the entire process with other fruits and report the movement and blows the fruit receives”, details Andrés Moltoni, Reference, INTA Agricultural Electronics Laboratory. As explained, the technology is similar in size and weight to existing cherry varieties on the market and has a corresponding hardness surface, which supports the validity of the data collected representative.
The problem is, as experts explain, During packaging and transportation, cherries are subject to impact, causing damage to the surface of the fruit (called pitting), reducing its commercial value.. “On average, 5% of cherries are lost due to pitting,” he estimates without hesitation. “Applying this technology allows us to improve the process, and the right decision could mean a 50% reduction in losses, or 2%.” Accounting for 5% of total cherry exports, the export volume is 180,000 kilograms, worth approximately US$720,000.
“We developed an electronic cherry with sensors that can go through the entire process with other fruits and report the movement and blows the fruit receives.”
Andrés Moltoni – reference person at INTA’s Agricultural Electronics Laboratory –.
On this point, Liliana San Martino, a researcher at INTA Los Antiguos in Santa Cruz, goes a step further, recognizing that “based on recent tests by INTA, losses from pitting corrosion in packaging plants can range from 10 to 40 percent.” As The problem, as experts explain it, is “Cherries are a very delicate fruit that require careful handling, with the consequences of abuse only revealing themselves within three weeks of the blow (i.e. having already reached their destination).”. Therefore, it is important to reduce this effect.
“From the perspective of the implementation of this technology, We’ve seen some tested packaging plants where concrete improvements could be made. Especially in terms of calibrating conveyors to reduce jumps in fruit records,” the researchers explain. “We have calibrated it for 4 seasons, taking into account different cherry varieties and electronic equipment,” he added.
Electronic cherry. Record where the fruit was hit (Photo: INTA).
For San Martino, it is “fundamental” to detect which points in the packaging process cause impacts so that the process can be adjusted in a simpler, faster and more efficient way. “At the presentation of the prototype we saw a very good impact and a strong interest from producers not only from Argentina, but also from Chile.”, he pointed out.
Electronic cherry, a small but innovative technology
The electronic cherry is a prototype and has not yet been supplied to packaging plants. This is the second updated version and according to INTA electronics engineers, Incorporating innovative technologies such as a wireless Bluetooth transmitter, allowing Cherry to connect to mobile devices and rechargeable lithium batteries Size and weight suitable for prototype needs.
in turn, The new version of the e-Cherry has a larger full-scale accelerometer to record impacts. “The packaging covering the device was also improved, for which 3D printing was carried out and different materials were tested, from hard plastic to flexible materials of different thicknesses, until a combination was found that gave the best results in the measurements,” he clarified Moltoni.
“This technology provides concrete information so that the industry can make the necessary decisions to achieve the improvements needed in packaging plants,” explains Moltoni, who did not hesitate to highlight this achievement: “It is a key factor in evaluating cherry yields, reducing discards and economic losses”.
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Interview with Andrés Moltoni, Reference Person at INTA’s Agricultural Electronics Laboratory
Editor: Welcome, Andrés. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the innovative work being done with the electronic cherry. Can you start by explaining what motivated the development of this technology?
Andrés Moltoni: Thank you for having me. The primary motivation was the significant losses cherries incur during packaging and transportation. As it stands, about 5% of the fruit is lost due to impacts that cause pitting. Reducing these losses would not only improve the quality of the cherries but also enhance the economic value for producers.
Editor: It sounds like this electronic cherry serves as a crucial tool for growers. Can you elaborate on how it actually works?
Andrés Moltoni: Absolutely. The electronic cherry is equipped with sensors that simulate the physical characteristics of a real cherry but are able to record data throughout the packaging and shipping processes. It measures impacts and vibrations, allowing us to pinpoint where the damage occurs. This data is essential for optimizing the handling process.
Editor: That’s fascinating! You mentioned that this technology could potentially reduce losses significantly. Can you provide us with some details on those figures?
Andrés Moltoni: Certainly. By applying this technology and making informed adjustments, we estimate that we could reduce losses from 5% down to as low as 2%. Given our export volume, this could equate to around 180,000 kilograms of cherries worth approximately $720,000.
Editor: That’s a substantial amount. I understand that cherries are particularly sensitive, revealing damage only after a period. How does this technology address that issue?
Andrés Moltoni: Yes, that’s a critical challenge. Cherries are delicate, and the damage can often go unnoticed until after they’ve been transported. By identifying damage points earlier in the process, we can implement changes that reduce the likelihood of harm occurring. This makes handling more precise and efficient.
Editor: Liliana San Martino from INTA also mentioned that losses can range from 10% to 40% depending on the processes in packaging plants. How do you plan to respond to such variability?
Andrés Moltoni: Our ongoing tests have shown us where improvements can be made, especially in calibrating equipment like conveyors to minimize jolts and bumps that cause damage. We’re looking to fine-tune processes over multiple seasons to cater to different cherry varieties and conditions.
Editor: It sounds promising. What has the feedback been from cherry producers in Argentina and beyond?
Andrés Moltoni: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. During our prototype presentations, we swayed quite a bit of interest not just from local producers but even from those in Chile, which suggests there’s a shared concern over handling delicate fruits efficiently.
Editor: With advancements like the electronic cherry, what do you see as the future of cherry exportation from Argentina?
Andrés Moltoni: I believe this technology could set a new standard in fruit handling, allowing Argentine cherries to maintain their quality and value on the international market. If we can minimize losses and enhance overall fruit quality, we can position ourselves competitively in global markets.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Andrés. It’s exciting to see how technology is driving improvements in agriculture. We look forward to seeing the impact of the electronic cherry on the market.
Andrés Moltoni: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss our work!
N lead to damage. We are focused on refining these processes to ensure better quality control throughout the entire packaging operation. By collaborating with producers and adapting our technology based on real-world data, we aim to mitigate these losses significantly.
Editor: That sounds like a proactive approach. What has been the reaction from producers regarding the electronic cherry prototype, and what potential do you see for its wider adoption?
Andrés Moltoni: The response has been overwhelmingly positive! At the prototype presentation, we observed strong interest from not only Argentinian producers but also those from Chile. There’s a clear understanding of the benefits this technology can bring, and we believe that its wider adoption will greatly support the cherry export industry by maintaining fruit quality and increasing profitability.
Editor: It’s exciting to see such innovation contributing to the agricultural sector. As you move forward, what are the next steps for the electronic cherry technology?
Andrés Moltoni: Our immediate focus is on finalizing the prototype and beginning the integration of this technology in select packaging plants for further testing. We will collect additional data, make necessary adjustments, and work on establishing partnerships with industry players. Ultimately, we aim to make this technology standard in cherry packaging to improve quality across the board.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Andrés. It’s clear that the electronic cherry represents a significant advancement in post-harvest handling. We look forward to seeing how this technology evolves in the future.
Andrés Moltoni: Thank you for having me! I’m happy to share our work and its potential impact.
