A systematic high-throughput phenotyping assay for sugarcane stalk quality characterization by near-infrared spectroscopy

Abstract Background Sugarcane ( Saccharum officinarum L.) is an economically important crop with stalks as the harvest organs. Improvement in stalk quality deemed a promising strategy for enhancing sugarcane production. However, lack of efficient approaches systematic evaluation germplasm largely limits improvements quality. This study designed to develop near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) assay high-throughput phenotyping quality, thereby providing feasible solution precise germplasm. Results A total 628 accessions harvested at different growth stages before and after maturity were employed take determine Based on high-performance anion chromatography (HPAEC-PAD), large variations detected terms biomass composition corresponding fundamental ratios. Online offline NIRS modeling strategies applied multiple purpose calibration partial least square (PLS) regression analysis. Consequently, 25 equations generated excellent determination coefficients R 2 ) ratio performance deviation (RPD) values. Notably, some observations, RPD values high 6.3 observed, which indicated their exceptional predictive capability. Conclusions provides method consistent assessment moisture, soluble sugar, insoluble residue The proposed permits large-scale screening optimal breeding beyond.