Reflectance and transmittance spectroscopy applied to detecting fumonisin in single corn kernels infected with Fusarium verticillioides

Reflectance and transmittance visible and near-infrared spectroscopy were used to detect fumonisin in single corn kernels infected with Fusarium verticillioides. Kernels with >100 ppm and <10 ppm could be classed accurately as fumonisin positive or negative, respectively. Classification results were generally better for oriented kernels than for kernels that were randomly placed in the spectrometer viewing area. Generally, models based on reflectance spectra have higher correct classification than models based on transmittance spectra. Statistical analyses indicated that including near-infrared wavelengths in calibrations improved classifications, and some calibrations were improved by including visible wavelengths. Thus, the color and chemical constituents of the infected kernel contribute to classification models. These results show that this technology can be used to rapidly and nondestructively screen single corn kernels for the presence of fumonisin. and may be adaptable to on-line detection and sorting.