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Development and Evaluation of a Near-Infrared Instrument for Single-Seed Compositional Measurement of Wheat Kernels

¹Research engineer, Engineering and Wind Erosion Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, 1515 College Ave., Manhattan, KS, 66502. Mention of trademark or proprietary products does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products that may also be suitable.

A single-kernel, near-infrared reflectance instrument was designed, built, and tested for its ability to measure composition and traits in wheat kernels. The major objective of the work was targeted at improving an existing design concept of an instrument used for larger seeds such as soybeans and corn but in this case designed for small seeds. Increases in throughput were sought by using a vacuum to convey seeds without compromising measurement accuracy. Instrument performance was evaluated by examining measurement accuracy of wheat kernel moisture, protein content, and kernel mass. Spectral measurements were obtained on individual wheat kernels as they were conveyed by air through an illuminated tube. Partial least squares (PLS) prediction models for these constituents were then developed and evaluated. PLS single-kernel moisture predictions had a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) around 0.5% MC wet basis; protein prediction models had an RMSEP near 0.70%. Prediction of mass was not as good but still provided a reasonable estimate of single-kernel mass, with RMSEP values of 2.8–4 mg. Data showed that kernel mass and protein content were not correlated, in contrast to some previous research. Overall, results showed the instrument performed comparably to other single-seed instruments or methods based on accuracy but with an increased throughput at a rate of at least 4 seeds/s.