Methodology Based on Colorimetry for the Separation of Wheat Varieties in Storage and the Determination of Mixing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17108/ActAgrOvar.2026.67.1.115Keywords:
grain quality, grain storage, CIELAB colour system, colorimetry, traceability, wheat mixingAbstract
Traceability of food products, particularly cereals,is crucial to ensure food safety and quality control throughout the food supply chain.One of the major challenges in grain storage is the accurate localisation and separation of different grain batches during storage and handling.Optical analytical techniques,including colour analysis and near-infrared spectroscopy,offer promising tools for addressing these challenges.This study aimed to investigate the applicability of the CIELAB colour measurement system for quantifying the mixing ratios of wheat varieties during storage.Special attention was given to the combined colour parameter HUE×C*,which was used as an indicator to estimate the proportion of different wheat varieties in mixed samples.Controlled mixtures of wheat varieties with distinct kernel colours were prepared and analysed using a HunterLab ColorFlex reflectance colorimeter equipped with a D65 light source.Each sample was measured in ten repetitions to ensure measurement reliability.Based on calibration curves established from standard mixtures,the HUE × C* index showed a strong relationship with the mixing ratio of wheat varieties.The method allowed for the objective evaluation of colour differences and enabled the estimation of mixing proportions in stored grain batches.Storage experiments conducted between 2021 and 2023 demonstrated that grain mixing occurs within a limited spatial zone,and beyond approximately 100-120 cm,the grain batches become spectrally distinguishable and can be considered homogeneous.The results indicate that colorimetric analysis can serve as an effective and reliable tool for monitoring grain batch separation and identifying mixing zones in flat storage systems.The proposed method provides valuable support for improving traceability,optimising storage management,and enhancing quality control in cereal storage systems.
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