Why everyone needs Near-Infrared Spectroscopy tools

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is revolutionizing both pre and post-harvest agricultural practices by offering a non-destructive method to gauge crop maturity, stress levels, and water and nutrient management before harvesting. After the harvest, it aids in sorting, packaging, verifying authenticity, monitoring processes, identifying defects and diseases, and evaluating shelf-life, with ongoing development focusing on making NIRS systems portable for widespread commercial use.

From the moment crops are harvested until they reach the consumer, maintaining the freshness and quality of food is paramount, requiring constant monitoring and decision-making regarding orchard management, packaging, storage, and transport. NIRS stands out as the leading technology for these tasks due to its ability to assess quality without damaging the produce, streamlining operations, and enabling automation.

NIRS works by analyzing the unique spectral signature of each material's biological composition, allowing for the precise measurement of internal and external fruit qualities, soil fertility, and plant hydration without the need for sample preparation. This technology is instrumental in precision farming, helping determine the optimal harvest time by evaluating fruit ripeness and quality metrics such as firmness and sugar content.

Furthermore, NIRS plays a crucial role in identifying diseases and pests early on by detecting changes in a plant's internal chemistry, enabling timely intervention to prevent loss of yield and quality. In post-harvest stages, NIRS facilitates sorting, grading, and packaging by analyzing internal quality features, supports the monitoring of fruit ripening, and ensures food safety by detecting contaminants.

Handheld NIRS devices are becoming invaluable tools across the supply chain, from retail decision-making to storage and distribution, enhancing the ability to preserve quality, verify authenticity, and optimize storage conditions. Implementing NIRS early in the supply chain maximizes its benefits, directly impacting food quality, shelf life, and overall management from farm to table.

CID Bio-Science is a collective of professionals, including engineers, scientists, assemblers, machinists, technicians, and business minds. CID Bio-Science crafts one of the most portable and precise measurement instruments in the world, specifically designed for plant physiology research. 

Felix Instruments by CID Bio-Science for over 28 years has specialized in crafting devices for agricultural and environmental plant research. Founded in 1989 with the launch of an innovative handheld photosynthesis system, Felix has since broadened its portfolio to include 17 devices designed to assess plant function and physiology. With its headquarters in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, Felix Instruments' products are utilized in more than 150 countries, cited in over 2,300 peer-reviewed scientific articles, and distributed by representatives in 44 countries.

For further information about NIRS and tools offered by CID Bio-Science and Felix Instruments, send your inquiry