Soft x-ray imaging for non-destructive detection of the mango pulp weevil (Sternochetus frigidus (Fabr.) infestation in fresh green 'carabao' mango fruits

The use of soft x-ray imaging for non-destructive method of detecting mango pulp weevil infestation in mango fruits was investigated. Freshly harvested mature green 'Carabao' mango fruits were scanned for infestation of mango pulp weevil (Sternochetus frigidus (Fabr.) using an x-ray scanning device. There were difficulties in detecting mango pulp weevil individuals from the images generated by the x-ray machine, but the damage caused by the insect inside the fruit was readily detected. Detection rating was higher and reliable in fruits scanned in perpendicular position relative to the shoulders of the fruit than in fruits scanned parallel to the shoulders of the fruit. From photographs of x-ray images of the scanned fruits, evaluators with technical experience were able to detect mango pulp weevil infestation more accurately than evaluators without technical experience.