Oil Quality Prediction in Olive Oil by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: Applications in Olive Breeding

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The work presented focuses on predicting the quality of olive oil (Oxydative Stability Index and Fatty Acid) by near-infrared spectroscopy using PLS. The results obtained confirm the interest in using chemometric methods to predict responses with good precision and with a saving time and reducing analysis cost. 

My comments and suggestions are listed below:

1- Why the choice of Cross-validation and not other method (Test Set for example)?

2- How are the spectra of the 4 outliers different from the other samples?

3- In the additional document, please give the Loadings graph.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This paper is well-written. The methods are detailed and the results are well-interpreted and discussed. However, some minor revision is needed to improve the paper:

1. Explain the reason for selecting the 318 samples.

2. Consider adding additional information for selecting NIRS conditions for method development purpose.

3. Please review the entire manuscript thoroughly as sentences starting with reference numbers were observed throughout.

4. Consider discussing potential sources of error in the NIRS analysis for method development purpose.

5. Consider adding the application significance of the outcomes in the conclusion section or discuss in the manuscript.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential use of near-infrared spectroscopy to analyze OSI and FA composition in EVOO. Research of this nature is commendable due to the potential long-term benefits for improving laboratory work, speed and accessibility to laboratories.

The work is systematic, logical and very fluent, and the results are well explained and compared with the available literature.

I recommend some minor changes to technical details

The changes are:

- Please add the first author's name followed by the paper number if the sentence starts with a reference

- In line 69 (bellincontro et al) ref is missing

- Line 110 – add ref

- Line 111 – add reference for the analysis of FAC

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf