Artificial Intelligence Plant Science

MIGAL Galilee Research Institute Quadruples Postharvest Life of Cucumbers

MIGAL's Advanced AI Quadruples Cucumber Postharvest Life
Photographs of the results of the trial carried out on cucumbers From left to right: Untreated cucumbers Test Group after 4 weeks Human practiced protocol in house protocol after 4 weeks AIs best protocol after 4 weeks AIs best protocol after 9 weeks (PRNewsfoto/MIGAL Galilee Research Institute)

Key Takeaways:

  • MIGAL researchers have extended the postharvest life of cucumbers from two to nine weeks using AI-driven treatment protocols.
  • The research aims to reduce food waste and enhance agricultural efficiency by applying AI to optimize postharvest handling.
  • The AI-based algorithms tested various treatment combinations and sequences, identifying the most effective for long-term preservation.
  • The team plans to expand the use of AI protocols to other crops and agricultural practices, including vertical farming.

Breakthrough in Postharvest Preservation

MIGAL Galilee Research Institute (MIGAL), a leading R&D center in Israel supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, has announced a significant breakthrough in extending the shelf life of cucumbers. The Institute’s researchers, utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms, developed a “smart” sequential treatment protocol that extended the postharvest life of cucumbers from two to nine weeks.

The 18-month study, led by Prof. Ofer Shir and Dr. Dan Gamrasni from MIGAL’s Postharvest Innovation Center, aimed to tackle the challenge of food waste, with nearly one-third of all produce grown being wasted globally. The project focused on using AI to guide postharvest treatments, reducing waste and improving the efficiency of the agricultural supply chain.

AI-Driven Approach to Postharvest Treatment

Prof. Shir explained that the project hypothesized a new approach to extending produce shelf life through AI-guided sequencing of existing treatment methods. The AI system was used to investigate combinations of treatment models for cucumbers, analyzing the impact of variations in timing, order, and activation levels of certain operations. This combinatorial search ultimately led to the development of a multi-stage protocol that was tested in MIGAL’s fields and laboratories.

The experiment involved harvesting cucumbers, applying the AI-suggested protocol, and monitoring the produce’s quality over several weeks. After four weeks of storage, the cucumbers retained their weight, color, and crispness. When stored for an additional five weeks, the cucumbers continued to exhibit marketable quality.

Reducing Waste and Expanding Applications

Dr. Gamrasni emphasized the potential for this research to make a significant impact on global food supply chains. “Our goal is to help reduce waste and improve efficiency across the agricultural process,” Gamrasni noted. With cucumbers having a naturally short postharvest life, the success of this protocol demonstrates the potential of AI to enhance sustainability in the agricultural sector.

Following this success, MIGAL researchers are now exploring how AI-based algorithms can be applied to other crops and farming techniques. One focus is on vertical farming, where AI could optimize variables such as lighting, gasses, temperature, and fertilization. This approach could reduce production costs and increase yields in controlled-environment agriculture.

Broader Implications for Agriculture

Prof. Dan Levanon, MIGAL Galilee Research Institute’s Scientific Director, commented on the broader significance of the research. “The use of AI to address food waste is a crucial step toward improving global nutritional security,” Levanon said. He highlighted the shrinking availability of arable land and water resources, emphasizing the importance of reducing waste and enhancing production efficiency to meet growing demand.

The study has garnered support from Israel’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, with additional funding provided by the Office of Agriculture to accelerate the research. Hila Haddad Chmelnik, Director General of the Ministry, praised the work of MIGAL and the technological innovations emerging from regional R&D centers.

This research is part of MIGAL’s ongoing commitment to using advanced technologies like AI to solve pressing challenges in agriculture and food security. The team’s next steps will focus on extending the use of their AI-guided protocols to other agricultural sectors, including vertical farming, as they continue to explore the potential of AI in enhancing sustainability.

For more details on the research, see the scientific publication in the ACM digital library: ACM Digital Library.

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