A comprehensive dataset of near infrared spectroscopy measurements to predict nitrogen and carbon contents in a wide range of tissues from Brassica napus plants grown under contrasted environments.

Abstract

Winter oilseed rape (WOSR, Brassica napus L.) is the third largest oil crop worldwide that also provides a source of high quality plant-based proteins. Nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) play a key role in plant growth. Determination of N and C contents of plant tissues throughout the growth cycle is crucial in assessing plant nutritional status and allowing precise input management. In the dataset presented in this article, 2427 WOSR samples arising from a large diversity of tissues collected on WOSR diversity were analyzed by near infrared spectroscopy from 4000 to 12,000 cm^-1. At the same time, reference chemical data for the N and C contents of the same samples were determined by elemental analysis using the Dumas method. Partial least squares regression has been used to develop predictive models linking spectral and chemical data, so that new samples can be characterized without the need for reference methods. This dataset could be used to test new calculation algorithms in order to enhance prediction performance or for training purposes. These models can be used as a rapid method for determining N and/or C content, adding to decision-support tools for fertilizer application throughout the plant developmental cycle.