NIR - AN ALTERNATIVE TOOL IN HORTICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Molecular marker techniques are mostly based on the detection of nucleic acids preferably DNA or sometimes proteins or other molecules. Genomic markers are more stable and sensitive than the others and do not depend on environmental factors but are more cost-consuming than simple protein or biochemical markers. All of these techniques are destructive and also need different chemicals for the measurement. Near-Infra-Red spectroscopy offers a nondestructive tool for quick investigation of biological samples and is safe for the environment. The technology is already widespread in pharmaceutical - and food industry and more and more widespread in agriculture, mostly in the cereal industry. Some examples are given for characterization of seeds of horticultural plants such as bean, melon, watermelon using NIR spectroscopy to prove that NIR is an alternative technology for variety identification, selection, and to measure hybridity and quality of seed samples, the technique is safe for the environment. The use of NIR in horticultural biotechnology has many advantages over conventional marker techniques, especially for seed biotechnology. Calibration still remains the most important limitation for the acceptance of the technology, fairly closely followed by the cost of the instruments.