A MEMBER of “fruit grading royalty” has paid a visit to Queensland.
Cyril Blanc from MAF RODA, the world's largest fruit-grading manufacturer, visited Central Queensland University in Rockhampton last week to speak with researchers.
CQUniversity and MAF RODA have shared research and development interests over a long period.
MAF RODA's technology can be used for internal and external quality control of all thin-skinned fruits.
CQUniversity has been leading initiatives to adapt the technology for commercial use in Australian packing houses.
Fruit quality research leaders Professor Kerry Walsh and Dr Phul Subedi introduced Mr Blanc to emerging PhD researchers Bed Khatiwada and Umesh Acharya.
Mr Khatiwada is improving checks for internal defects, particularly apple-browning and water core, citrus- dryness and frost damage, and pineapple-translucency.
Meantime, Mr Acharya is working with a wash-scan and lot analysis technique which can assess pigmentation, colour, dry matter, acidity and pesticide levels on the fruit surface.
MAF RODA specialises in the design and manufacture of calibration systems, packaging, palletising and handling of fresh fruits and vegetables.
The company has 15 subsidiaries, more than 45 international agents and over 1000 employees.
Mr Blanc inspected CQUniversity's research labs and took a great interest in the latest fruit-related R&D projects using MAF RODA's Insight NIR, InternalScan and Firmness Sensor technologies.