A spectroscopic method, preferably
Raman scattering, is used to rapidly determine the
general health or stress status of living plants and
plant products, including
agricultural crops, forests, and harvested
fruits and vegetables. In the preferred embodiments,
carotenoid levels are used to provide an indication of oxidative deterioration. Based upon the results of the analysis, further action may or may not be taken, for example, in terms of choosing, picking, harvesting or sorting the agricultural product in accordance with the
carotenoid level. Concentration levels of an
analyte substance can be determined relative to an external standard, to each other, or relative to another substance in the item being analyzed. Carotenoids such as
lycopene, beta-
carotene,
lutein, violaxanthin, neoxanthin, antheraxanthin, and
zeaxanthin are determined according to the invention, through other
plant components may be analyzed such as other terpenes, polyenes,
chlorophyll, proteins, starches, sugars, overall
nitrogen levels, flavonoids, and vitamins. The hardware associated with the invention may be field portable or mounted on a piece of equipment such as a harvester or sorter.