Location: Stored Product Insect and Engineering Research
Project Number: 3020-43440-010-002-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: May 15, 2020
End Date: Aug 31, 2022
Objective:
To develop near infrared spectroscopy methods to measure multiple chemical constituents of single seeds of sorghum and flax which includes protein, oil, and weight. These methods will make it possible to analyze small seeds with much higher resolution, enabling detailed genetic evaluation and selection of breeding lines with improved nutritional profiles and to study genetic and environmental effects in future work.
Approach:
A diverse set of 96 genotypes for each crop species, Sorghum and flax will be collected. From these samples near infrared (NIR) spectra will be collected using the single seed NIR instrument (SKNIRS) developed by ARS. Seeds will be analytically assayed for protein, oil, moisture, and mineral elemental content of each seed in the panel using established chemical methods for reference measurements for NIR calibration. NIR calibration models for predicting these seed quality traits will be developed which will provide an analysis tool that will enhance theCollaborator's studies of sorghum and flax genetics and environmental effects in future work.
