Development and validation of time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance for assessing germinative capacity in Barley

Barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) is a key cereal for malt production, and grain quality assessment relies on physical, chemical, and physiological parameters, among which germinative capacity is critical for industrial performance. This parameter is traditionally determined by the tetrazolium test, which, although relatively rapid, requires chemical reagents, sample manipulation, and subjective interpretation. Time-Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (TD-NMR) has emerged as a promising alternative, enabling fast, non-destructive measurements with minimal sample preparation. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive performance and analytical validity of TD-NMR for determining the germinative capacity of barley grains, using the tetrazolium assay as the reference method. Barley cultivars with contrasting germinative capacities were analyzed under industrially relevant conditions. Both methods were applied to identical grain batches, allowing direct comparison. A calibration model based on Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression showed a strong linear relationship between TD-NMR predictions and reference values (R² = 0.8193; r = 0.843). Method agreement was assessed using paired t -test, Deming regression, bias analysis, and Bland–Altman plots. The mean germinative capacities obtained by TD-NMR (96.36%) and tetrazolium (96.80%) were statistically comparable, with a low systematic bias (–0.44). Deming regression (intercept = − 6.30; slope = 1.06) and Bland–Altman analysis (limits of agreement: − 2.05 to + 1.17) confirmed the absence of analytically relevant systematic errors. Overall, TD-NMR showed satisfactory agreement with the reference method and demonstrated potential as a rapid and non-destructive alternative for routine germinative capacity assessment in malting operations.