292 Multi-grain quality testing using the Single-Kernel Characterization System.

B. G. OSBORNE, Z. Kotwal, and R. Jackson. BRI Australia Ltd, P.O. Box 7, North Ryde, NSW 1670, Australia.

The Single-Kernel Characterization System SKCS 4100 was designed to test and classify wheat. However, we have shown that durum, barley, rice, oats and sorghum can all be processed using the same method with minor changes to the setup parameters. This method has been adopted as an Official Method of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, Cereal Chemistry Division. Each grain type requires a separate calibration for kernel weight, diameter and moisture. In addition, crush force profiles have been interpreted for each grain. For example, those for durum are closely related to the percentage of vitreousness. Secondary quality characteristics such as durum semilona yield have also been predicted using the raw data generated by the instrument.