Performance evaluation of refractometer devices for brix determination in rock melons

Nur Sakinah Saedin, . and Muhammad Firdaus Abdul Muttalib, . and Mohd Fauzie Jusoh, . (2025) Performance evaluation of refractometer devices for brix determination in rock melons. Advances in Agricultural and Food Research Journal (AAFRJ) (Malaysia), 6 (2). pp. 1-14. ISSN 2735-1084

Rock melon (Cucumis melo Linn), one of the most popular and delicious fruits of Malaysia has great potential for commercial development. This study aimed to determine the performance evaluation of refractometer devices for brix determination in rock melons in a greenhouse. A Brix meter, also referred to as a refractometer, is an essential instrument used for measuring the sugar content, or Brix level. One of the main reasons for growing rock melons in greenhouses is to mitigate pest and disease attacks. The experiment comprised the following soilless media: T1 = 100% Coconut Peat, T2 = 100% Burnt Rice Husk, T3 = 50% Coconut Peat + 50 % Burnt Rice Husk, T4 = 70 % Coconut Peat + 30 % Burnt Rice Husk, T5 = 30% Coconut Peat + 70% Burnt Rice Husk. This experiment was conducted at the Institute of Sustainable Agrotechnology (INSAT), the University of Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) at Sungai Chuchuh, Padang Besar, Perlis, Malaysia. This study evaluated the accuracy and precision of three refractometer types, which are Reichert TS Meter‑D (benchtop standard), Atago PR‑201α (digital handheld), and a Extech RF15 Portable Brix Refractometer, to measure Brix in rock‑melon juice. The Reichert TS Meter-D demonstrated laboratory‐grade precision (refractive index accuracy ±0.0001 nD, ~±0.10 °Bx). Compared to this reference, the Atago PR-201α had minimal mean bias (–0.02 °Bx) and narrow 95% limits of agreement (LoA: –0.26 to +0.23 °Bx), meeting practical interchangeability thresholds (±0.30 °Bx). The manual model showed similar average bias (–0.03 °Bx) but wider variability (LoA: –0.49 to +0.43 °Bx), exceeding acceptable error margins. Paired t-tests confirmed biases were not statistically significant (p > 0.75). These findings indicate that the Atago PR-201α offers a reliable, high-throughput alternative to lab equipment for Brix grading whilst the Extech RF15 Portable Brix Refractometer remains useful for everyday field checks where rapid portability is essential.

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Abstract

Rock melon (Cucumis melo Linn), one of the most popular and delicious fruits of Malaysia has great potential for commercial development. This study aimed to determine the performance evaluation of refractometer devices for brix determination in rock melons in a greenhouse. A Brix meter, also referred to as a refractometer, is an essential instrument used for measuring the sugar content, or Brix level. One of the main reasons for growing rock melons in greenhouses is to mitigate pest and disease attacks. The experiment comprised the following soilless media: T1 = 100% Coconut Peat, T2 = 100% Burnt Rice Husk, T3 = 50% Coconut Peat + 50 % Burnt Rice Husk, T4 = 70 % Coconut Peat + 30 % Burnt Rice Husk, T5 = 30% Coconut Peat + 70% Burnt Rice Husk. This experiment was conducted at the Institute of Sustainable Agrotechnology (INSAT), the University of Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) at Sungai Chuchuh, Padang Besar, Perlis, Malaysia. This study evaluated the accuracy and precision of three refractometer types, which are Reichert TS Meter‑D (benchtop standard), Atago PR‑201α (digital handheld), and a Extech RF15 Portable Brix Refractometer, to measure Brix in rock‑melon juice. The Reichert TS Meter-D demonstrated laboratory‐grade precision (refractive index accuracy ±0.0001 nD, ~±0.10 °Bx). Compared to this reference, the Atago PR-201α had minimal mean bias (–0.02 °Bx) and narrow 95% limits of agreement (LoA: –0.26 to +0.23 °Bx), meeting practical interchangeability thresholds (±0.30 °Bx). The manual model showed similar average bias (–0.03 °Bx) but wider variability (LoA: –0.49 to +0.43 °Bx), exceeding acceptable error margins. Paired t-tests confirmed biases were not statistically significant (p > 0.75). These findings indicate that the Atago PR-201α offers a reliable, high-throughput alternative to lab equipment for Brix grading whilst the Extech RF15 Portable Brix Refractometer remains useful for everyday field checks where rapid portability is essential.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	fruit juices
AGROVOC Term:	measurement
AGROVOC Term:	rice husks
AGROVOC Term:	soilless culture
AGROVOC Term:	accuracy
AGROVOC Term:	precision agriculture
AGROVOC Term:	greenhouses
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Mr. MUHAMMAD FARHAN AFIF MOHD NAZRI
Date Deposited:	11 Aug 2026 01:04
Last Modified:	11 Aug 2026 01:04
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/26762

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