KERNEL MOISTURE VARIATION ON THE EAR IN YELLOW-DENT FIELD CORN

Abstract

ABSTRACT Kernel moisture variation with location on the ear in hybrid, yellow-dent field com, Zea mays L., was measured by individual kernel oven moisture content determination as ears dried during the harvest season. Differences in kernel moisture content (m.c.) at three locations on the ear, i.e., near the butt end, at the mid-section, and near the tip, were highly significant, with m.c. highest at the butt and decreasing toward the tip. Butt-to-tip kernel m.c. differences were small at high moisture levels (35 to 40% m.c, wet basis), but reached a maximum, which averaged about 6% m.c., at 24% m.c. for the ear. As the ears dried to safe storage moisture levels, the butt-to-tip m.c. differences diminished to about 2% m.c. No significant differences were noted between hybrids with respect to variation of kernel m.c. with location on the ear. Quadratic prediction equations were developed for the butt, middle, and tip kernel m.c. as functions of bulk-sample m.c. for the whole ear. The kernel m.c. at the middle of the ear gave the best estimate of the bulk-sample m.c. for the ear. KEYWORDS. Com, Moisture content. Grain drying.