Determination of HSV Colour Indices of Dragon Fruit

Abstract: Dragonfruit (Hylocereus spp.) is a vibrant tropical fruit gaining attention for its unique appearance, nutritional value, and market potential. Its color serves as a critical determinant of consumer preference, reflecting fruit quality and maturity. This study aimed to quantify the HSV (hue, saturation, and value) color indices of dragonfruit at different maturity stages—unmature, mature, and overmature—using advanced image processing techniques. Images were collected under controlled conditions, preprocessed for segmentation, and analyzed using MATLAB R2023a. The HSV parameters were calculated for 400 samples, revealing distinct variations in color attributes across developmental stages. Mature dragonfruit exhibited the highest hue values, indicating peak coloration, while overmature fruits showed a decline due to potential discoloration. Saturation values were most vivid in mature fruits, signifying optimal pigmentation, whereas unmature fruits displayed subdued colors. Brightness progressively increased with maturity but slightly decreased in overmature samples. Combined HSV indices provided a robust metric for differentiating between maturity stages, with the highest values observed at the mature stage. These findings underscore the utility of HSV color indices as reliable indicators for maturity classification, contributing to quality control, automated sorting, and improved postharvest management.