Predicting Jatropha curcas seed-oil content, oil composition and protein content using near-infrared spectroscopy—A quick and non-destructive method

The potential of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate the oil content, fatty acid composition, and protein content of Jatropha curcas seeds was studied. Seventy-four intact kernels from various sources were scanned by NIRS. All samples were analyzed for oil content (hexane extractions), fatty acid composition (gas chromatography), and protein content (Kjeldahl). Calibration equations were developed for oil content, individual fatty acids (oleic C18:1, linoleic C18:2, stearic C18:0 and palmitic C16:0), and protein content. The performance of the calibration equations was evaluated through external and cross-validation. The results showed that NIRS was a reliable, accurate and nondestructive technique to estimate oil and protein contents, as well as oleic and linoleic fatty acid concentrations in J. curcas kernels; NIRS provides a rapid, simple, and cost-effective alternative method for screening intact J. curcas kernels.

► Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy predicts Jatropha curcas seed quality. ► Estimates of oil content, fatty acid composition, and protein content are easily provided. ► NIRS can be successfully applied for the selection of J. curcas seeds in breeding programs.