Exploring the density and morphology of coconut structures at two locations: a time-based analysis using computer tomography

• Published in: PeerJ (San Francisco, CA) CA), 2024-10, Vol.12, p.e18206, Article e18206
• Main Authors: Lin, Shenghuang, Sun, Chengxu, Luo, Li'an, Huang, Mengxing, John Martin, JeromeJeyakumar, Cao, Hongxing, Hu, Jinyue, Bai, Zhiming, He, Zhanping, Zhang, Yu, Chen, Jing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural Science; Biotechnology; China; Coconut; Cocos; Computer tomography; CT imaging; Food Science and Technology; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; Non-invasive method; Plant Science; Postprocessing technique; Specific gravity; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
• ISSN: 2167-8359; 2167-8359
• DOI: 10.7717/peerj.18206

The study aimed to observe the internal structure of coconuts from two locations (coastal and non-coastal) using computed tomography (CT). Seventy-six mature coconuts were collected from Wenchang and Ding'an cities in Hainan Province. These coconuts were scanned four times using CT, with a two-week interval between each scan. CT data were post-processed to reconstruct two-dimensional slices and three-dimensional models. The density and morphological parameters of coconut structures were measured, and the differences in these characteristics between the two groups and the changes over time were analyzed. Time and location had interactive effects on CT values of embryos, solid endosperms and mesocarps, morphological information such as major axis of coconut, thickness of mesocarp, volume of coconut water and height of bud (