Evaluation of maize varieties for mechanical grain harvesting in mid‐latitude region, China

Abstract

AbstractHow to allocate heat resources during yield formation and grains drying in the field to ensure food security while reducing the grain moisture content (GMC) is an important issue in maize (Zea mays L.) production in China. In this study, we established three production scenarios (traditional production (TPS, GMC > 30% at harvest), mid‐moisture grain harvest (MMHS, GMC ≤ 25% at harvest), and low‐moisture grain harvest (LMHS, GMC ≤ 20% at harvest)). Five varieties (DMY1, FK139, DK159, XY335, and JK968) were selected as model varieties to establish a grain drying prediction model, and the model prediction accuracy was good (RMSE = 2.96–4.04%, R2 = .408–.733). Results revealed that the production loss of the LMHS was 23.7% compared to the TPS, while the MMHS had a production loss of 6.5%. By replacing new varieties with high yield potential and fast grain drying rate, even small production increases can be achieved in MMHS. By adjusting the layout, it was possible to achieve 25% GMC in Inner Mongolia, which can promote the mechanical grain harvesting. However, the conditions for further reducing GMC (20%) at harvest are not yet available, and this requires more detailed future research.