Correlation between NIR spectra and RVA parameters during germination of maize

ABSTRACT The physical, chemical, and morphological changes of maize seeds during germination were investigated using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and a method based on the Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA). Near-infrared spectra provide information about both chemical and physical changes that occur in maize seed. The RVA curves make it possible to follow the process of germination. Four RVA parameters (peak viscosity, final viscosity, trough, and setback) were linearly correlated with germination time (R = 0.64–0.96), while the first derivatives of RVA curves contain specific information about starch structure. Water-soluble protein (WSP) content of germinated maize seeds was measured using a flow injection analyser; this technique proved to be suitable for monitoring germination by following the mobilization of proteins. WSP and RVA parameters were highly correlated (R2 = 0.82–0.95) with predicted values calculated from NIR spectra of dry samples. Strong intercorrelations existed between NIR spectra and vi...