Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) Mass Prediction Using Machine Learning Models Based on Physical Attributes
Abstract
Türkiye is the dominant global producer of hazelnuts, supplying approximately 70% of the world’s total output. The physical characteristics of hazelnuts, particularly mass, play a critical role in determining quality and shelf life. To improve efficiency in hazelnut handling, this study explores non-destructive, rapid prediction of hazelnut mass using machine learning (ML) models based on physical attributes such as size and shape. A total of 1,050 hazelnuts from seven cultivars (Çakıldak, Kalınkara, Palaz, Sivri, Tombul, Yerli, and Yomra), collected from orchards in Türkiye's Black Sea region, were analyzed. Each sample was measured for length, width, and thickness using digital calipers, and weighed with ±0.001 g precision. Derived attributes—including volume, geometric mean diameter, projected area, surface area, sphericity, shape index, aspect ratio, and elongation—were computed mathematically. Three ML models were evaluated: Linear Regression, Random Forest, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). Among these, the Artificial Neural Networks and Linear Regression models achieved the highest prediction performance (R² = 0.87, 0.871 for kernel, and 0.802, 0.804 for kernels, respectively). These findings highlight the potential of ML techniques in non destructive mass estimation of hazelnuts, with prospects for enhancement through the integration of chemical attributes for improved cultivar discrimination and mass prediction accuracy.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Agricultural Machines
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Geofrey Baitu
This is me
0000-0002-3243-3252
Türkiye
Y. Benal Öztekin
0000-0003-2387-2322
Türkiye
Publication Date
July 28, 2026
Submission Date
June 9, 2025
Acceptance Date
March 10, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 32 Number: 3