Rapid analytical tools to determine protein content
For more than 10 years, GEVES (BioGEVES) has been investigating alternative analytical technologies such as near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and more recently Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), which, compared to current analytical chemistry methods, are fast, inexpensive and do not require the use of chemicals.
For the determination of protein content, GEVES (BioGEVES) offers new reliable SPIR methods. These methods have been validated by CTPS experts and are used in official studies for various protein and oilseed species. However, the study of sunflower seeds by SPIR requires a prior crushing stage and the prediction performances sought are difficult to achieve. This is why, since 2016, BioGEVES has been working on the development of a testing method using NMR, for which initial work has encouraged the continuation of the study. The models developed and presented at the VCU committee and CTPS 2021 section, show satisfactory results that demonstrate the potential of NMR to predict protein content in sunflower seeds. This work will be presented at the 20th International Sunflower Conference, organised by the ISA (International Sunflower Association), which will take place from 20 to 23 June in Serbia.
