Mapping Yield and Quality using the Mobile Fruit Grading Robot

Localised crop output measurement is the principal requirement in determining profit on a spatially variable basis. Quality of agricultural products immediately affects the market value. Therefore, quality maps should be obtained as well as yield map. In this research, a database of spatial yield and quality information was created for sweet pepper by using the mobile fruit grading robot. Then a real-time mapping method was developed from the database. Three hundred and seventy-two sweet pepper fruits harvested from 300 plants were utilised for the experiment in laboratory. Information such as plant location, harvesting time, fruit index (number of fruits from a plant), fruit size, colour, shape, defects and grade also mass was obtained. Based on these information sources, a database was established to create both a yield map and a quality map. Results indicated that the database is adequate to represent the spatial variability of yield and quality in a field as yield and quality maps, the developed mapping program is effective and practical, and that the system can be applied in real time.