Resonance frequency of Nigerian tomato fruit as related to prevention of damage during transportation

Abstract

Effect of natural frequency (NF) of vibration of fresh tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruits of Nigerian cultivars (‘Chico’, ‘Roma’ and ‘Cherry’) for preventing damage during transportation and handling was studied. The quality was determined at turning and fully ripe stages using compression test from which the modulus of elasticity of the fresh tomatoes was computed. The NF was then determined using an established relationship. The results show that the average NF of vibration for fresh tomato fruit at turning stage of maturity were 17.6, 14.9 and 9.1 Hz for ‘Chico’, ‘Roma’ and ‘Cherry’ varieties, respectively and were significantly different (p≤0.05). At ripe maturity stage, the average values were 14.7, 14.2 and 13.2 Hz for ‘Chico’, ‘Roma’ and ‘Cherry’ varieties, respectively. The NF of the ‘Cherry’ variety is significantly (p≤0.05) lower than those of ‘Roma’ and ‘Chico’, while that of ‘Roma’ was significantly (p≤0.05) lower than ‘Chico’ at turning stage of maturity. The practical utility of these data is in selecting proper traveling speed for vehicles used in hauling this fresh fruit to minimize mechanical damage.