ABSTRACT
Use of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy to Evaluate Quality Characteristics in Whole-Wheat Grain

Daniel Cozzolino1*, Inés Delucchi1, Moham Kholi2, Daniel Vázquez1
 

The aim of this work was to explore the potential of visible (Vis) and near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy to measure quality characteristics in whole grain wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as a tool in breeding programs. A total of 100 samples were analyzed by the reference methods for crude protein (CP), wet gluten (WG) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) sedimentation test. Whole grain samples were scanned in a NIR monochromator instrument (400-2500 nm) in reflectance. Partial least squares (PLS) were used to develop calibration equations for the quality characteristics in whole wheat. Calibration models were validated using an independent set of samples (n = 50) randomly selected from the population set. The uncertainty of the PLS models was evaluated by the standard error of prediction (SEP). The SEP obtained were 0.35% for CP, 2.04 for SDS and 4.14% for WG. It was concluded that NIR spectroscopy might be used as a screening tool to segregate early generations of wheat genotypes. At a later stage is needed to improve the accuracy of the NIR calibrations, broadening the calibration spectra with the incorporation of more genotypes and different crop years.

Keywords: whole wheat, NIR, protein, wet gluten, grain quality, SDS, Triticum aestivum.
1 Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Ruta 50 Km 12, Colonia, Uruguay.
Actual address: The Australian Wine Research Institute, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, PO Box 197. Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064. E-mail: Daniel.Cozzolino@awri.com.au *Corresponding author.
2 International Center for Wheat and Maize Improvement (CIMMYT).