NIRS analyses of sensory & textural traits in sweetpotato based on spectra collected on raw freeze-dried roots

A spectral analysis of 217 sweetpotato genotypes was undertaken. These were collected from different CIP sweet potatoe genetic trials (GT) located in different agroecological zones (AEZ); West nile AEZ (Abii GT; L. Albert AEZ (Hoima and Buling GTs); Southern highlands (Kabale GT); Lake Victoria Crescent (Namulonge MDP); Western highlands (Rwebitaba MDP); and L.Kyoga basin (Serere GT). The samples were collected in two different seasons of 2021 and 2022. Harvests took place in the second season of 2021 (94 genotypes) (and the first season of 2022 (123 genotypes). Calibrations were done using reference data collected by a sensory panel as well as texture parameters assessed using a texture analyser. Up to twelve cooked roots per genotype were used for sensory evaluation of traits per session. High performances were observed of the calibration for orange color intensity (R2 =0.83), suggesting that the model is sufficient for field application. The moderate performances of pumpkin aroma and pumpkin flavor ((R2 >0.50) could be used for initial screening purposes. Most of the calibrations still need improvement.