MRI protocols for imaging Burdekin Plums

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These protocols were created using Bruker Biospec 9.4T with a BGA-12S HP gradient and a High Power Gradient Amplifier Upgrade, and using Bruker 40 mm Rat Head / Mouse Body Volume Coil (MT0205). Results showed that MR images can differentiate major fruit tissues including mesocarp, endocarp and seeds. Diffusion tensor imaging was able to visualise the water transportation pathways of the fruit. Quantitative imaging results showed that T1, T2, T2* and ADC maps obtained by MRI reflected the structural differences between major fruit tissues (mesocarp, endocarp, seeds). Their values changed during fruit development especially during the early stage. T1, T2, T2* and ADC of endocarp and seed reduced significantly (p<0.05) from stage 1 to stage 2, while that of mesocarp increased significantly (p<0.05) from stage 1 to stage 2. Principle component analysis result showed that T1 changes in mesocarp were correlated to the water content, and T2 changes were correlated to the ADC. This study confirms that MRI allows the non-invasive observation of the major tissues of Burdekin plum fruit and the changes in fruit development.