Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Prediction of Dry Matter and Starch Content in Cassava Using Optimized Calibration Models.

Abstract

Dry matter content (DMC) and starch content (StC) are key quality traits in cassava breeding, yet traditional phenotyping methods are time-consuming and limit scalability. This study aimed to develop and compare predictive models for DMC and StC using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, evaluating two devices-a benchtop spectrometer (Büchi NIRFlex N-500; 1000-2500 nm) and a portable device (QualitySpec Trek; 350-2500 nm)-and assessing the influence of sample type (fresh vs. processed). A total of 3,391 cassava clones from the Embrapa breeding program were analyzed from 2018 to 2023. Reference values were obtained via gravimetric analysis (DMCg), oven drying (DMCo), and manual StC extraction. Spectral data were used to train and validate models using Partial Least Squares (PLS), k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB). PLS consistently delivered the highest predictive accuracy across traits and devices. KNN slightly outperformed PLS for DMCg using the benchtop device, while XGB was comparable to PLS in select scenarios (e.g., StC with the benchtop: 0.88 vs. 0.89; DMCo with the portable: 0.92 vs. 0.95). Processed samples yielded higher model accuracy than fresh ones. The portable NIR device showed better performance with processed samples and even surpassed the benchtop for DMCg and StC in external validation (0.74 and 0.76 vs. 0.71 and 0.72, respectively). Overall, processed sample preparation significantly improved model performance, and the portable spectrometer proved to be a practical, accurate, and scalable alternative for high-throughput phenotyping in cassava breeding.

Plant phenotyping relevance

キャッサバ育種における乾物・デンプン含量の高スループット表現型取得を目的に、NIR機器と予測モデルを開発・比較・外部検証しており、測定法が研究の中心である。

Code and data availability

The paper's NIR spectral data, phenotypic measurements, and R analysis code are not publicly deposited; the Data Availability Statement says raw data will be made available by the authors upon request. No author public URLs for data or code are provided; all listed URLs are the license or cited references.

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