Optical techniques to monitor the quality of cereal grains

据估计，世界上生产的粮食总量中有30%在储存期间变质。影响粮食贮藏的主要生物因素包括害虫和真菌的侵害。不仅要在储藏期间监测储粮的质量，而且要探讨为什么某些品种比其他品种更容易受到虫害的影响。粮食品质的退化主要表现在其视觉和生化特性的变化上。然而，重要的是，在谷物变得不适合人类和/或动物食用之前，客观地确定这些变化。我的研究计划的长期目标是在培养高技能专业人员的同时，根据谷物的光学特性阐明其质量决定特性。研究表明，振动（近红外和拉曼）光谱技术与成像技术相结合，具有表征颗粒质量决定参数的潜力。因此，在本提案的范围内，我们希望开发解决方案（硬件和软件）来表征反映谷物真实质量的光学特性。我们建议开发一种能够帮助粮食生产者和管理者全面评估其粮食质量的多模态光谱装置。实验还将研究籽粒的微观结构，以确定为什么某些品种对病原体具有天然抗性。对于已经被真菌感染的谷物，我们提出了一种新的方法，在它开始变质之前尽早发现侵染的开始。该研究结果不仅有助于了解谷物光谱特性的基础知识，而且为农业和食品工业监测谷物质量，特别是储存期间的质量提供了合理的工具。加拿大每年的粮食作物价值约为60亿美元，其中很大一部分（70%）用于出口。为了保持加拿大谷物在全球市场上的竞争力，我们需要创造科学技术，帮助向世界提供安全和最高质量的谷物。

It is estimated that 30% of the total grain produced in the world spoils during storage. The main biotic factors that influence the storage of grain include infestation by insect pests and fungi. It is not only important to monitor the quality of stored grain during storage but also to explore why certain varieties are more vulnerable to infestation than others. The degradation in quality of grain is reflected by the changes in its visual and biochemical properties. However, it is important that these changes are objectively determined before the grain becomes unfit for human and/or animal consumption. The long-term goal of my research program is to elucidate the quality determining characteristics of grain on the basis of their optical characteristics while training highly skilled professionals. Research has established that technologies such as vibrational (near-infrared and Raman) spectroscopy combined with imaging techniques hold the potential to characterize the quality determining parameters in grain. Therefore, in the realm of this proposal, we hope to develop solutions (both hardware and software) to characterize the optical properties that are a reflection of grain's true quality. We propose developing a multi-modal spectroscopy device capable of assisting grain producers and managers in assessing the quality of their grain in a comprehensive way. Experiments will also be conducted to study the microstructure of grain kernels to determine why certain varieties are naturally resistant to pathogens. For grain that has already been infected by fungi, we propose a novel way of detecting the onset of the infestation early enough before it starts to spoil. The results from this research will not only contribute to the fundamental knowledge of the spectral characteristics of cereal grains, but also provide a rational tool for the agriculture and food industry to monitor grain quality, particularly during storage. The value of Canada's annual grain crops is about $6 billion and a large portion (70%) is exported. In order to maintain the competitiveness of Canadian grain in global markets, we need to create scientific techniques that can help provide safe and highest quality grains to the world.