Prediction of banana maturity based on the sweetness and color values of different segments during ripening.

To predict the maturity of bananas, the present study used non-destructive methods to analyze changes in the sweetness and color of the stalks, middles, and tips of bananas during ripening. The results indicated that the respective maturation of these three segments did not occur simultaneously, as indicated by the differential enzyme activity and gene expression levels recorded in these segments. A principal component analysis and cluster plots were used to review the classification of banana maturity, highlighting that banana maturation can be divided into six stages. Two distinct maturity prediction algorithms were established using random forest, artificial neural network, and support vector machines, and they also indicated that dividing the maturity of bananas into six stages was adequate. These findings contribute to the development of quality evaluation and of a rapid grading system for processing, which improves the quality and sale of banana fruits and the related processed products.