Interpretive Summary: Although there have been a multitude of good laboratory methods of analysis developed on large instruments, the one limitation is that the sample must be taken from the field to the laboratory. This requires keeping the sample viable while transporting and evaluation that often fails to maintain relevance for the grower. These limitations can be overcome by the use of handheld portable instruments that can be taken to the sample in the field environment. A handheld near-infrared spectrometer has been developed that meets many of the agricultural growers and research genetist¿s needs. This work demonstrates the use of this type of instrument in assessing four diverse materials: analysis for fiber in flax, measurement bio-oil in bio-diesel, classification high versus low oleate in peanuts and latex in dandelion roots. All of the results demonstrated that the essential analyses could be accomplished in the field thus providing timely on-site quality information.
Technical Abstract: Several handheld spectrometers have recently appeared on the market. These include Raman, mid- and near-infrared systems. Most of them are aimed at providing rapid identification of unknown materials for security issues. Many of them can also be used for quantitation and classification in the same manner as with laboratory based instruments making remote analysis a reality. This work will discuss the application of a handheld near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer for assessing the fiber content of flax stems, the measurement of bio-oil in petrodiesel, and classification of high versus low oleate in shelled peanuts and latex in dandelion roots
