Recent advancements on innovative technologies and applications for non-destructive monitoring of tomato quality

Abstract

Tomato quality assessment involves multiple external and internal attributes. Conventional reference methods remain important for accurate characterization but are often destructive, time-consuming, or unsuitable for repeated and online measurements. This review critically examines recent advances in nondestructive sensing technologies for tomato quality evaluation and organizes them according to sensing mechanism. Electromagnetic and optical techniques are assessed for their ability to characterize surface, compositional, spectral, and physiological information, while mechanical and tactile sensing approaches are discussed in relation to firmnes. Electrical and emerging sensors further extend quality assessment toward bioelectrical properties, volatile profiles, and other physicochemical changes. Particular attention is given to information fusion and multimodal sensing, with emphasis on the distinction between homogeneous spectral fusion and heterogeneous integration of physically complementary modalities. Future research should therefore prioritize complementary sensor selection, independent cross-condition validation, calibration transfer, interpretable modeling, system miniaturization, and standardized implementation in sorting, storage, and postharvest monitoring. In general, the transition from isolated laboratory models to transferable and operational quality-monitoring systems remains a central challenge for nondestructive tomato sensing.