Near-infrared spectroscopy for non-destructive determination of soluble solids content of Chinese citrus

Abstract

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has become a very popular technique for the non-invasive assessment of intact fruit. This work presents an application of a low-cost commercially available NIR spectrometer for the estimation of soluble solids content (SSC) of Chinese citrus. The configuration for the spectra acquisition was used (diffuse transmittance), using a custom-designed contact optical fiber probe. Samples of Chinese citrus in deferent orchard, collected over the 2005 harvest seasons, were analyzed for soluble solids content (Brix). Partial least squares calibration models, obtained from several preprocessing techniques (smoothing, multiplicative signal correction, standard normal variate, etc), were compared. Also, the short-wave (SW-NIR) spectral regions were used. Performance of different models was assessed in terms of root mean square of cross-validation, root mean square of prediction (RMSEP) and R for a validation set of samples. RMSEP of 0.538 with R = 0.896 indicate that it is possible to estimate Chinese citrus SSC (Brix value), by using a portable spectrometer.