Identification of indices for accurate estimation of anthocyanin and carotenoids in different species of flowers using hyperspectral data

Quantification of accessory pigments is very useful tool for assessment of quality of flowers. Available techniques for the quantification of accessory pigments are either time-consuming or highly laborious. However, till date, very few researchers have managed to provide an accurate solution of this problem. In present study, we have developed a model for accurate estimation of anthocyanin and carotenoids in different species of flowers using hyperspectral data. Numbers of bands sensitive towards the variation in the flower pigments were identified using different techniques such as correlation and stepwise discriminant analysis. Regression model developed using published indices worked well and gave moderately good results with highest R2 of 0.60 for anthocyanin and 0.66 for carotenoids. Likewise, developed simple ratio (SR) index (SR 331/581) gave best results for anthocyanins (R2 = 0.67) and SR 331/631 gave best results for carotenoids with R2 = 0.68.