The main objective of M-LEARN4DATE is to integrate “technology based on image analysis and machine learning algorithms” in the determination of the properties and quality criteria of dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in four states: fresh, dried, chilled and frozen.

Thus, the present project aimed to assess date fruits quality under drying, as an important post-harvest treatment, and different storage conditions, using innovative models based on image texture parameters.

1. Studying the micro/macro structure, morphological characteristics, biochemical properties, surface texture and mechanical properties of fresh date fruits and those subjected to selected drying techniques.
2. Comparison of deep features, textural, color and 3D microstructural parameters of fresh date fruits and samples subjected to cold and freezing storage.
3. Determination of the effect of the combination of cold and/or freezing storage conditions and selected drying techniques on the changes in the features of date fruit images obtained using a digital camera and a specific scanners.
4. Determination of the effect of the combination of cold and/or freezing storage conditions and selected drying techniques on preserving and maintaining biochemical quality of date fruit under storage.
5. Development of predicting models of date fruits ability under cold/freezing storage based on data obtained from image analysis.

Work Package 1.  Quality profile of date fruits.

This work package will focus on the determination of micro/macro structure, morphological characteristics, biochemical properties, surface texture and mechanical properties of fresh date fruits and subjected to selected drying techniques.

Work Package 2. Behavior of date fruits under cold/freezing storage based on data obtained from image analysis.

Work package N°2 will assess the changes in deep features, geometric, color and texture parameters of the outer surface of date fruit images obtained using a digital camera and a flatbed scanner as a result of different cold and freezing storage conditions.

Work Package 3. Assessment of the effect of cold and freezing storage conditions on quality profile of date fruits.

The objective of this work package is to determine the effect of the combination of cold and freezing storage conditions and selected drying techniques on preserving and maintaining biochemical quality of date fruit under storage and on the changes in the features of date fruit images obtained using a digital camera and a specific scanners.

Work Package 4. Predicting models development.

For this work package, predicting models about date fruits ability under cold/freezing storage based on data obtained from image analysis will be developed.

Work Package 5. Communication and dissemination.

This work package will work to ensure the visibility of the M-LEARN4DATE results. Thus, it was planned to transfer technical and scientific results of the project through:

• Publication of scientific papers in impacted and specialized journals (especially open access journals to ensure high visibility of the scientific results of the project).
• Dissemination M-LEARN4DATE results in national and international Congresses (in Poland and abroad).
• Organization and animation of internal seminars at the host institution (with possibility to enlarge to other polish institutes). These seminars will be focused on the presentation of the project and its preliminary results to technical staff.

The Fruit and Vegetable Storage and Processing Department is a unit with extensive experience and expertise in the application of innovative storage technologies, production of innovative fruit and vegetable food products with health-promoting properties and non-destructive evaluation of fruit and vegetable quality.

The Laboratory of Fruit and Vegetable Storage and Postharvest Physiology (one of the laboratories in which the project will be conducted) is the only research unit in Poland that performs studies on the use of Dynamic Controlled Atmosphere (DCA) in the storage of fruit and vegetables with real-time monitoring of their maturity by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence.

The research topics of the Fruit and Vegetable Storage and Processing Department include (among others):

• determination of the harvest date;
• evaluation of the quality of fruit and vegetables;
• assessment of the storage ability and storage durability;
• assessment of the impact of pre- and postharvest factors on the quality and durability of horticultural products;
• prediction, risk assessment and prevention of diseases of fruit and vegetables during storage;
• development of new technologies for the processing of fruit and vegetables;
• application of modern technologies to obtain innovative dried products from fruit and vegetables;
• evaluation of the quality of fruit, vegetables and their preserves.