Interview with NIR Operator & Scholar, Nick Anderson

Nick Anderson has been working with our F-750 Produce Quality Meter over the past few months and we asked him to tell us about his experience with NIR technology and our instrument.When did you begin working with the F-750 Produce Quality Meter?This season I have worked with the F-750 Produce Quality Meter to build mango models which will allow for DM measurements. The calibration of the F-750 for use in the mango industry was also a main objective of my masters research. What is your background and how did you begin working with NIR technology?I was hired as an NIR operator in 2013 when I was a backpacker. This work involved regular measurement of dry matter (DM) of fruit on the tree using a set sampling pattern, followed by transfer of data per block into a decision support system that farm managers utilize. The farm where I worked saw value in the data I was providing and asked me to come back for the next season. In 2014 I met Dr. Kerry Walsh and the opportunity of studying for my masters with NIR technology was presented. I began studies in August 2015. How do you see NIR technology impacting the mango industry?NIR technology is impacting the mango market because it is a guide for quality. Harvesting mangoes too early or too late compromises the consumer experience. A measure of dry matter content of the fruit assists in the decision of when to pick the fruit. Consumers expect a level of quality in a product that they are paying extra money for, such as luxury commodities like mangoes. NIR technology empowers growers to maximize their crop by making strategic decisions.SourceFelix Instruments, November 2015, Know your mangoes