Comparison study on oil palm fresh fruit bunch (FFB) maturity stages determination based on color recognition model and position of FFB in leaf spiral

• Main Authors: Albakri, Z. M., Mohd Kassim, Muhamad Saufi, Muhamad Tobib, H.
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia 2016
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/50121/1/17.pdf; http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/50121/; http://cafei.upm.edu.my/home.php?&value=2016
• Institution: Universiti Putra Malaysia

Optimum quality of oil production can be obtained by managing the harvesting operation of oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFB) at the right stage of ripeness. High content of free fatty acid (over-ripe bunches) will increase the refinery cost. Therefore it is crucial to determine the harvesting date of FFB. This study explores the possibility of determine the maturity stage based on the location of FFB in the leaf spiral. Since matured oil palm produced two leaves per month, each leaf axil potentially produced inflorescences. Pollination of FFB will take place at leaf number 17 up to 20 and mature bunch will be at leaf number 30 to 33. Based on this information, a relationship of FFB position will be at spiral and maturity stages can be established. This paper presents the comparison analysis of color recognition model and position in leaf spiral in determining the maturity stages of FFB.