Vis/NIR reflectance spectroscopy for non-destructive diagnosis of Fusarium spp. infection in postharvest potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum)

Abstract

Conventional methods of detecting Fusarium spp. infection, which causes significant economic losses in potato production, are time-consuming and expensive. This study explored rapid and non-destructive detection techniques using visible/near-infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy. Potato seeds of the Granola L variety were intentionally infected with Fusarium spp. by fungal inoculation, then stored at 12°C, 25°C, and a combination of both. Healthy potatoes were stored under the same conditions in containers for 30 days and monitored every five days. Principal component analysis-linear discriminate analysis (PCA-LDA) was used to classify potato tubers based on their infection status. PCA-LDA analysis revealed significant spectral differences between healthy and infected potato seeds across all storage temperatures. Calibration reliability values were 95.87% (for samples stored at 12°C), 97.52% (stored at 25°C), and 98.35% (for the combination of 12°C and 25°C). Similar trends were observed for accuracy: 91.96% (12°C), 98.29% (25°C), and the highest accuracy of 98.65% for the combined temperature. These techniques facilitate rapid identification of infections, aiding farmers and producers in implementing more efficient preventive actions, resulting in decreased crop losses and waste products and enhanced productivity in the agricultural sector.