Predictive Modeling of Lignin Content for the Screening of Suitable Poplar Genotypes Based on Fourier Transform–Raman Spectrometry

[Image: see text] The quick and non-invasive evaluation of lignin from biomass has been the focus of much attention. Several types of spectroscopies, for example, near-infrared (NIR) and Fourier transform–Raman (FT–Raman), have been successfully applied to build quantitative predictive lignin models based on chemometrics. However, due to the effect of sample moisture content and ambient humidity on its signals, NIR spectroscopy requires sophisticated pre-testing preparation. In addition, the current FT–Raman predictive models require large variations in the independent value inputs as restrictions in the corresponding mathematical algorithms prevent the effective biomass screening of suitable genotypes for lignin contents within a narrow range. In order to overcome the limitations associated with the current methods, in this paper, we employed Raman spectra excited using a 1064 nm laser, thus avoiding the impact of water and auto-fluorescence on NIR signals. The optimal baseline correction method, data type, mathematical algorithm, and internal reference were selected in order to build quantitative lignin models based on the data with limited variation. The resulting two predictive models, constructed through lasso and ridge regressions, respectively, proved to be effective in assessing the lignin content of poplar in large-scale breeding and genetic engineering programs.