UNIMI.Cassandra.RiceQuality is a .NET software library implementing multiple modelling approaches to the simulation of rice grain quality variables; the component is independent from both the framework and the crop simulator used. The architecture of the component (Donatelli and Rizzoli, 2008) promotes its extension by third parties via the implementation of alternative model realizations for variables already simulated, as well as via the inclusion of approaches for the simulation of new variables. The models available in the components can be accessed at different levels, thus allowing users to select just one of the approaches for peak viscosity, or to run all the models for assessing the viscosity profile. In order to foster the usability of the component, two typologies of users were identified: (i) beginners, i.e., users without specific expertise in quality variables and models, and (ii) experts, represented by specialists in rice quality modelling The diagram that displays the strategies that UNIMI.RiceQuality component makes available is showed below (Figure 10).

Figure 10. Strategy diagram of UNIMI.RiceQuality component.

Furthermore a customized composite strategy (Figure 11) is now available to assess the quality profile of rice grain in the Lombardo-Piemontese district, the main rice area in Europe. This strategy allows the user to simulate at the same time the following ten variables: protein and amylose concentration, head rice yield, the percentage incidence of broken, chalky and black spotted grains, peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity, setback viscosity and gelatinization temperature. The included models are currently calibrated for Loto and Gladio rice varieties, two of the most representative cultivars of Northern Italy.

Figure 11. Strategy diagram of UNIMI.RiceQuality component customized for the Lombardo-Piemontese district.

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