The early detection of freeze damage in Navelate oranges (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which is associated with a specific double-needle sensor. The objective was to identify this problem early in order to help to determine when a freeze phenomenon occurs. Thus, we selected a set of Navelate oranges without external defects, belonging to the same batch. Next, an intense cold process was simulated to analyze the oranges before and after freezing. The results of the spectroscopy analysis revealed different signals for oranges depending on whether they had experienced freezing or not. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) of the obtained data demonstrated that it is possible to discriminate the samples, explaining 88.5% of the total variability (PCA) and being able to design a mathematical model with a prediction sensitivity of 80% (PLS-DA). Additionally, a designed artificial neural network (ANN) prediction model managed to correctly classify 100% of the studied samples. Therefore, EIS together with ANN-based data treatment is proposed as a viable alternative to the traditional techniques for the early detection of freeze damage in oranges.
Keywords: detection; electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; freeze damage; orange; sensor.