Poisson’s Ratio in Fruits and Horticultural Materials: Measurement, Interpretation, and Engineering Relevance
Poisson’s Ratio pada Buah dan Produk Hortikultura: Pengukuran, Interpretasi, dan Relevansi
Keywords:
Poisson’s ratio, postharvest engineering, mechanical characterization, finite element modelling, viscoelastic behavior
Abstract
Poisson’s ratio is a key parameter describing lateral deformation in materials under load, yet its role in fruit biomechanics remains insufficiently explored and inconsistently applied. This review synthesizes current evidence on how Poisson’s ratio has been measured, interpreted, and used in fruits and horticultural materials, with particular attention to its relevance in postharvest engineering. A structured literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed studies from major scientific databases, focusing on both direct measurement approaches and modelling-based applications. The analysis reveals substantial variability in reported values across commodities, tissue types, and testing conditions, ranging from near-zero values in structurally rigid tissues to values approaching incompressibility in soft, high-moisture systems. These variations are closely linked to tissue structure, maturity, and deformation conditions, but are also strongly influenced by methodological differences. Despite recent advances in optical strain tracking and experimental techniques, many studies continue to rely on assumed values, particularly in finite element modelling and non-destructive assessments. This reliance limits the reliability of mechanical predictions. This study therefore aims to critically review how Poisson’s ratio has been characterized in fruits, to evaluate methodological limitations, and to identify directions for improving its use in postharvest engineering applications.
References
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Bramer, W. M., de Jonge, G. B., Rethlefsen, M. L., Mast, F., & Kleijnen, J. (2018). A systematic approach to searching: an efficient and complete method to develop literature searches. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 106(4), 531-541–531–541. https://doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2018.283
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Chavoshi, E., ahmadi, ebrahim, Alavi Nia, A., & Seifi, R. (2022). Determination of Dynamic Deformation Behavior of Apple Using Finite Element Method and its Validation by Scanning Electron Microscopy. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4119419
Chen, T. Y. F., Dang, N. M., Wang, Z. Y., Chang, L. W., Ku, W. Y., Lo, Y. L., & Lin, M. T. (2021). Use of Digital Image Correlation Method to Measure Bio-Tissue Deformation. Coatings 2021, Vol. 11, 11(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11080924
Dai, F., Zhao, W. Y., Han, Z. S., & Zhang, F. W. (2013). Experiment on Poisson’s Ratio Determination about Corn Kernel. Advanced Materials Research, 781–784, 799–802. https://doi.org/10.4028/WWW.SCIENTIFIC.NET/AMR.781-784.799
Ekrami-Rad, N., Khazaei, J., & Khoshtaghaza, M. H. (2011). Selected mechanical properties of pomegranate peel and fruit. International Journal of Food Properties, 14(3), 570–582. https://doi.org/10.1080/10942910903291920
Esehaghbeygi, A., Pirnazari, K., Kamali, M., & Razavi, J. (2013). Physical, and Mechanical Properties of Three Plum Varieties (Prunus domestica L.). Www.Thaiagj.Org Thai Journal of Agricultural Science, 46(2), 95–101. www.thaiagj.org
Fan, J., Li, Y., Wang, B., Gu, F., Wu, F., Yang, H., Yu, Z., & Hu, Z. (2022a). An Experimental Study of Axial Poisson’s Ratio and Axial Young’s Modulus Determination of Potato Stems Using Image Processing. Agriculture 2022, Vol. 12, 12(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12071026
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Goulao, L. F., & Oliveira, C. M. (2008). Cell wall modifications during fruit ripening: when a fruit is not the fruit. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 19(1), 4–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TIFS.2007.07.002
Greaves, G. N., Greer, A. L., Lakes, R. S., & Rouxel, T. (2011). Poisson’s ratio and modern materials. Nature Materials 2011 10:11, 10(11), 823–837. https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat3134
Grotte, M., Duprat, F., Piétri, E., & Loonis, D. (2002). Young’s modulus, poisson’s ratio, and Lame’s coefficients of Golden Delicious apple. International Journal of Food Properties, 5(2), 333–349. https://doi.org/10.1081/JFP-120005789
Herold, B., Geyer, M., & Studman, C. J. (2001). Fruit contact pressure distributions — equipment. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 32(3), 167–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1699(01)00160-0
Higgins, J. P. T., Thomas, J., Chandler, J., Cumpston, M., Li, T., Page, M. J., & Welch, V. A. (2019). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, 1–694. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119536604
Ikeda, T., Choi, P. K., Ishii, T., Arai, I., & Osawa, M. (2015). Firmness evaluation of watermelon flesh by using surface elastic waves. Journal of Food Engineering, 160, 28–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2015.03.020
Khalifa, S., Komarizadeh, M. H., & Tousi, B. (2011). Usage of fruit response to both force and forced vibration applied to assess fruit firmness-a review. In AJCS (Vol. 5, Number 5).
Khodabakhshian, R. (2012). Poisson’s ratio of pumpkin seeds and their kernels as a function of variety, size, moisture content and loading rate. Agric Eng Int: CIGR Journal, 14(3), 203–209. http://www.cigrjournal.org
Khodabakhshian, R., & Emadi, B. (2015). Development of a finite element method model to determine mechanical behavior of pumpkin seed. International Journal of Food Properties, 18(2), 231–240. https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2013.822883
Kiani Deh Kiani, M., Maghsoudi, H., & Minaei, S. (2011). Determination of poisson’s ratio and young’s modulus of red bean grains. Journal of Food Process Engineering, 34(5), 1573–1583. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1745-4530.2009.00391.X
Kuna-Broniowska, I., G?adyszewska, B., & Ciupak, A. (2012). Effect of storage time and temperature on poisson ratio of tomato fruit skin. International Agrophysics, 26(1), 39–44. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10247-012-0006-x
Li, Z., Li, P., Yang, H., Liu, J., & Xu, Y. (2012). Mechanical properties of tomato exocarp, mesocarp and locular gel tissues. Journal of Food Engineering, 111(1), 82–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2012.01.023
Li, Z., & Thomas, C. (2014). Quantitative evaluation of mechanical damage to fresh fruits. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 35(2), 138–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TIFS.2013.12.001
Luo, X., Zhao, Y., Tian, S., Yu, Y., Rao, X., Xu, W., Ying, Y., & Xu, H. (2025). Characterize Firmness Changes of Nectarine and Peach Fruit Associated With Harvest Maturity and Storage Duration Using Parameters of Force–Displacement Curves. Journal of Texture Studies, 56(1), e70003. https://doi.org/10.1111/JTXS.70003;ISSUE:ISSUE:DOI
MacFarlane, A., Russell-Rose, T., & Shokraneh, F. (2022). Search strategy formulation for systematic reviews: Issues, challenges and opportunities. Intelligent Systems with Applications, 15, 200091. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswa.2022.200091
Mahiuddin, M., Godhani, D., Feng, L., Liu, F., Langrish, T., & Karim, M. A. (2020). Application of Caputo fractional rheological model to determine the viscoelastic and mechanical properties of fruit and vegetables. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2020.111147
Opara, U. L., & Pathare, P. B. (2014). Bruise damage measurement and analysis of fresh horticultural produce—A review. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 91, 9–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2013.12.009
Paniagua, A. C., East, A. R., Hindmarsh, J. P., & Heyes, J. A. (2013). Moisture loss is the major cause of firmness change during postharvest storage of blueberry. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 79, 13–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2012.12.016
Paniagua, C., Posé, S., Morris, V. J., Kirby, A. R., Quesada, M. A., & Mercado, J. A. (2014). Fruit softening and pectin disassembly: an overview of nanostructural pectin modifications assessed by atomic force microscopy. Annals of Botany, 114(6), 1375. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcu149
Rethlefsen, M. L., Kirtley, S., Waffenschmidt, S., Ayala, A. P., Moher, D., Page, M. J., Koffel, J. B., Blunt, H., Brigham, T., Chang, S., Clark, J., Conway, A., Couban, R., de Kock, S., Farrah, K., Fehrmann, P., Foster, M., Fowler, S. A., Glanville, J., … Young, S. (2021). PRISMA-S: an extension to the PRISMA Statement for Reporting Literature Searches in Systematic Reviews. Systematic Reviews 2021 10:1, 10(1), 39-. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-020-01542-z
Schreier, H., Orteu, J. J., & Sutton, M. A. (2009). Image correlation for shape, motion and deformation measurements: Basic concepts, theory and applications. Image Correlation for Shape, Motion and Deformation Measurements: Basic Concepts,Theory and Applications, 1–321. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-78747-3
Shirmohammadi, M., Yarlagadda Maryam Shirmohammadi, P. K. D. V., & Yarlagadda, P. K. D. V. (2018). Determining of Poisson’s Ratio and Young’s Modulus of Pumpkin Tissue-Using Laser Measurement Sensors. Materials Today: Proceedings, 5(5), 11507–11515. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATPR.2018.02.118
Sirisomboon, P., Tanaka, M., & Kojima, T. (2012). Evaluation of tomato textural mechanical properties. Journal of Food Engineering, 111(4), 618–624. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2012.03.007
S?upska, M., Kuprianiuk, S., Stopa, R., & Figiel, A. (2026). Finite element modeling of apple tissue mechanics: A comparative study of elastic and elastoplastic behavior across ripening stages. Journal of Food Engineering, 402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2025.112696
S?upska, M., Stopa, R., & Figiel, A. (2025). Ripening Stage in Mechanical Properties of Chopin Apples for Static FEM Model Construction. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.0825.v2
Waldron, K. W., Parker, M. L., & Smith, A. C. (2003). Plant Cell Walls and Food Quality. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 2(4), 128–146. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1541-4337.2003.tb00019.x
Xia, X., Xu, Z., Yu, C., Zhou, Q., & Chen, J. (2021). Finite Element Analysis and Experiment of the Bruise Behavior of Carrot under Impact Loading. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture
Zulkifli, N., Hashim, N., Harith, H. H., & Mohamad Shukery, M. F. (2020). Finite element modelling for fruit stress analysis - A review. Trends in Food Science and Technology, 97, 29–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2019.12.029
Arai, N., Miyake, M., Yamamoto, K., Kajiwara, I., & Hosoya, N. (2021). Soft Mango Firmness Assessment Based on Rayleigh Waves Generated by a Laser-Induced Plasma Shock Wave Technique. Foods, 10(2), 323. https://doi.org/10.3390/FOODS10020323
Bramer, W. M., de Jonge, G. B., Rethlefsen, M. L., Mast, F., & Kleijnen, J. (2018). A systematic approach to searching: an efficient and complete method to develop literature searches. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 106(4), 531-541–531–541. https://doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2018.283
Campbell, M., McKenzie, J. E., Sowden, A., Katikireddi, S. V., Brennan, S. E., Ellis, S., Hartmann-Boyce, J., Ryan, R., Shepperd, S., Thomas, J., Welch, V., & Thomson, H. (2020). Synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) in systematic reviews: reporting guideline. BMJ, 368. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l6890
Chavoshi, E., ahmadi, ebrahim, Alavi Nia, A., & Seifi, R. (2022). Determination of Dynamic Deformation Behavior of Apple Using Finite Element Method and its Validation by Scanning Electron Microscopy. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4119419
Chen, T. Y. F., Dang, N. M., Wang, Z. Y., Chang, L. W., Ku, W. Y., Lo, Y. L., & Lin, M. T. (2021). Use of Digital Image Correlation Method to Measure Bio-Tissue Deformation. Coatings 2021, Vol. 11, 11(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11080924
Dai, F., Zhao, W. Y., Han, Z. S., & Zhang, F. W. (2013). Experiment on Poisson’s Ratio Determination about Corn Kernel. Advanced Materials Research, 781–784, 799–802. https://doi.org/10.4028/WWW.SCIENTIFIC.NET/AMR.781-784.799
Ekrami-Rad, N., Khazaei, J., & Khoshtaghaza, M. H. (2011). Selected mechanical properties of pomegranate peel and fruit. International Journal of Food Properties, 14(3), 570–582. https://doi.org/10.1080/10942910903291920
Esehaghbeygi, A., Pirnazari, K., Kamali, M., & Razavi, J. (2013). Physical, and Mechanical Properties of Three Plum Varieties (Prunus domestica L.). Www.Thaiagj.Org Thai Journal of Agricultural Science, 46(2), 95–101. www.thaiagj.org
Fan, J., Li, Y., Wang, B., Gu, F., Wu, F., Yang, H., Yu, Z., & Hu, Z. (2022a). An Experimental Study of Axial Poisson’s Ratio and Axial Young’s Modulus Determination of Potato Stems Using Image Processing. Agriculture 2022, Vol. 12, 12(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12071026
Fan, J., Li, Y., Wang, B., Gu, F., Wu, F., Yang, H., Yu, Z., & Hu, Z. (2022b). An Experimental Study of Axial Poisson’s Ratio and Axial Young’s Modulus Determination of Potato Stems Using Image Processing. Agriculture 2022, Vol. 12, Page 1026, 12(7), 1026. https://doi.org/10.3390/AGRICULTURE12071026
Gidado, M. J., Gunny, A. A. N., Gopinath, S. C. B., Ali, A., Wongs-Aree, C., & Salleh, N. H. M. (2024). Challenges of postharvest water loss in fruits: Mechanisms, influencing factors, and effective control strategies – A comprehensive review. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 17(7), 101249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101249
Goulao, L. F., & Oliveira, C. M. (2008). Cell wall modifications during fruit ripening: when a fruit is not the fruit. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 19(1), 4–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TIFS.2007.07.002
Greaves, G. N., Greer, A. L., Lakes, R. S., & Rouxel, T. (2011). Poisson’s ratio and modern materials. Nature Materials 2011 10:11, 10(11), 823–837. https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat3134
Grotte, M., Duprat, F., Piétri, E., & Loonis, D. (2002). Young’s modulus, poisson’s ratio, and Lame’s coefficients of Golden Delicious apple. International Journal of Food Properties, 5(2), 333–349. https://doi.org/10.1081/JFP-120005789
Herold, B., Geyer, M., & Studman, C. J. (2001). Fruit contact pressure distributions — equipment. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 32(3), 167–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1699(01)00160-0
Higgins, J. P. T., Thomas, J., Chandler, J., Cumpston, M., Li, T., Page, M. J., & Welch, V. A. (2019). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, 1–694. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119536604
Ikeda, T., Choi, P. K., Ishii, T., Arai, I., & Osawa, M. (2015). Firmness evaluation of watermelon flesh by using surface elastic waves. Journal of Food Engineering, 160, 28–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2015.03.020
Khalifa, S., Komarizadeh, M. H., & Tousi, B. (2011). Usage of fruit response to both force and forced vibration applied to assess fruit firmness-a review. In AJCS (Vol. 5, Number 5).
Khodabakhshian, R. (2012). Poisson’s ratio of pumpkin seeds and their kernels as a function of variety, size, moisture content and loading rate. Agric Eng Int: CIGR Journal, 14(3), 203–209. http://www.cigrjournal.org
Khodabakhshian, R., & Emadi, B. (2015). Development of a finite element method model to determine mechanical behavior of pumpkin seed. International Journal of Food Properties, 18(2), 231–240. https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2013.822883
Kiani Deh Kiani, M., Maghsoudi, H., & Minaei, S. (2011). Determination of poisson’s ratio and young’s modulus of red bean grains. Journal of Food Process Engineering, 34(5), 1573–1583. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1745-4530.2009.00391.X
Kuna-Broniowska, I., G?adyszewska, B., & Ciupak, A. (2012). Effect of storage time and temperature on poisson ratio of tomato fruit skin. International Agrophysics, 26(1), 39–44. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10247-012-0006-x
Li, Z., Li, P., Yang, H., Liu, J., & Xu, Y. (2012). Mechanical properties of tomato exocarp, mesocarp and locular gel tissues. Journal of Food Engineering, 111(1), 82–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2012.01.023
Li, Z., & Thomas, C. (2014). Quantitative evaluation of mechanical damage to fresh fruits. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 35(2), 138–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TIFS.2013.12.001
Luo, X., Zhao, Y., Tian, S., Yu, Y., Rao, X., Xu, W., Ying, Y., & Xu, H. (2025). Characterize Firmness Changes of Nectarine and Peach Fruit Associated With Harvest Maturity and Storage Duration Using Parameters of Force–Displacement Curves. Journal of Texture Studies, 56(1), e70003. https://doi.org/10.1111/JTXS.70003;ISSUE:ISSUE:DOI
MacFarlane, A., Russell-Rose, T., & Shokraneh, F. (2022). Search strategy formulation for systematic reviews: Issues, challenges and opportunities. Intelligent Systems with Applications, 15, 200091. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswa.2022.200091
Mahiuddin, M., Godhani, D., Feng, L., Liu, F., Langrish, T., & Karim, M. A. (2020). Application of Caputo fractional rheological model to determine the viscoelastic and mechanical properties of fruit and vegetables. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2020.111147
Opara, U. L., & Pathare, P. B. (2014). Bruise damage measurement and analysis of fresh horticultural produce—A review. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 91, 9–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2013.12.009
Paniagua, A. C., East, A. R., Hindmarsh, J. P., & Heyes, J. A. (2013). Moisture loss is the major cause of firmness change during postharvest storage of blueberry. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 79, 13–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2012.12.016
Paniagua, C., Posé, S., Morris, V. J., Kirby, A. R., Quesada, M. A., & Mercado, J. A. (2014). Fruit softening and pectin disassembly: an overview of nanostructural pectin modifications assessed by atomic force microscopy. Annals of Botany, 114(6), 1375. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcu149
Rethlefsen, M. L., Kirtley, S., Waffenschmidt, S., Ayala, A. P., Moher, D., Page, M. J., Koffel, J. B., Blunt, H., Brigham, T., Chang, S., Clark, J., Conway, A., Couban, R., de Kock, S., Farrah, K., Fehrmann, P., Foster, M., Fowler, S. A., Glanville, J., … Young, S. (2021). PRISMA-S: an extension to the PRISMA Statement for Reporting Literature Searches in Systematic Reviews. Systematic Reviews 2021 10:1, 10(1), 39-. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-020-01542-z
Schreier, H., Orteu, J. J., & Sutton, M. A. (2009). Image correlation for shape, motion and deformation measurements: Basic concepts, theory and applications. Image Correlation for Shape, Motion and Deformation Measurements: Basic Concepts,Theory and Applications, 1–321. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-78747-3
Shirmohammadi, M., Yarlagadda Maryam Shirmohammadi, P. K. D. V., & Yarlagadda, P. K. D. V. (2018). Determining of Poisson’s Ratio and Young’s Modulus of Pumpkin Tissue-Using Laser Measurement Sensors. Materials Today: Proceedings, 5(5), 11507–11515. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATPR.2018.02.118
Sirisomboon, P., Tanaka, M., & Kojima, T. (2012). Evaluation of tomato textural mechanical properties. Journal of Food Engineering, 111(4), 618–624. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2012.03.007
S?upska, M., Kuprianiuk, S., Stopa, R., & Figiel, A. (2026). Finite element modeling of apple tissue mechanics: A comparative study of elastic and elastoplastic behavior across ripening stages. Journal of Food Engineering, 402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2025.112696
S?upska, M., Stopa, R., & Figiel, A. (2025). Ripening Stage in Mechanical Properties of Chopin Apples for Static FEM Model Construction. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.0825.v2
Waldron, K. W., Parker, M. L., & Smith, A. C. (2003). Plant Cell Walls and Food Quality. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 2(4), 128–146. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1541-4337.2003.tb00019.x
Xia, X., Xu, Z., Yu, C., Zhou, Q., & Chen, J. (2021). Finite Element Analysis and Experiment of the Bruise Behavior of Carrot under Impact Loading. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture
Zulkifli, N., Hashim, N., Harith, H. H., & Mohamad Shukery, M. F. (2020). Finite element modelling for fruit stress analysis - A review. Trends in Food Science and Technology, 97, 29–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2019.12.029
Published
2026-02-28
Section
Article
