The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) detailed herein are applicable in the acquisition of spectra from largely intact cassava roots. The procedures allow for scanning and spectral acquisition after a scanning surface has been provided on the intact root. Cassava samples are harvested using approved harvesting tools and labelled after which preparation commences by removing the tail ends of the root. This is followed by sectioning of the root into four equal portions and surface trimming of each section immediately before spectral acquisition. Thereafter, labelling and scanning of the trimmed surface using the ASD-QUALITY SPEC produces four scans representative of one particular root. The procedure is repeated for the rest of the roots producing four subsets of scans from one particular accession. Spectral data produced from these scans is downloaded and further processed for use in calibration development and root chemical composition determination. Processed spectral data is also uploaded as an additional file to the cassava base. Reference data generation is carried out by approved reference methods in repeatability analyses carried out at NaCRRI and NARL. Critical points of consideration include the development of a sample flow and spectra acquisition matrix coupled to correct labelling since sample numbers involved are usually many.