Corn Seeds Research Articles

Síntesis y caracterización de partículas poliméricas yodadas submicrométricas con efecto bioestimulante en la germinación y vigor de plántulas de maíz

Current agriculture faces challenges caused by climate change, which induce states of stress in plants, reducing crop productivity. Micro- or nanomaterials are biostimulants that mitigate these adverse effects, having greater efficiency compared to conventional materials. Iodine, at low concentrations, improves plant growth and production. This study aimed to: 1) synthesize and characterize polymeric particles functionalized with submicron iodine (PI), 2) evaluate the impact of pretreatment of corn seeds with these particles on the germination rate and growth of the seedlings, and 3) quantify the iodine in the PI and in the seedlings. The synthesis of the PI was carried out by a chemical reaction from iohexol with a crosslinker and the addition of a polyethylene glycol coating. The average hydrodynamic diameter of the PIs determined by dynamic light scattering was 217 nm, and the iodine content in the synthesized PIs was 1.67 %. For the germination test, four PI concentrations (5, 10, 20, and 50 mg∙L<sup>-1</sup>) and a control (distilled water) were used; 50 seeds were imbibed in 10 mL of each solution and placed in a growth chamber at a temperature of 28 °C for 24 h. The results indicate that PIs do not negatively interfere with the seed germination process and the treatment with a concentration of 50 mg∙L<sup>-1</sup> PI significantly favored some growth variables. The latter indicates that the synthesized PIs presented a biostimulant effect and may be a viable alternative as a biofortifier.

RESPON PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI TANAMAN JAGUNG PULUT TERHADAP PERLAKUAN PRUNING TONGKOL KEDUA DAN PENYEMPROTAN PUPUK PELENGKAP CAIR

This study was conducted to determine the response of corn plants to the second cob pruning treatment and liquid complementary fertilizer (LCF) spraying on the Growth and Production of Waxy Corn Plants (Zea mays ceratina L.). This study was conducted at the Experimental Garden of Pabentengan Bajeng Village, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, from September to December 2018. The materials used in this study were local waxy corn seeds, liquid complementary fertilizer (Bram Evolution) urea and NPK fertilizer. The Split Plot Design method was used. The main plot is without pruning and with pruning, while the sub-plot is Spraying Liquid Complementary Fertilizer (LCF) consisting of 4 levels, namely without LCF spraying, spraying with a concentration of 10 mL/L water, 20 mL/L water, and 30 mL/L water, 8 treatment combinations repeated 3 times to obtain 24 experimental units. The results of this study indicate that pruning the second cob increases the dry weight of the plant, seed weight per plant, seed weight per plot, and seed weight per hectare. LCF spraying and the interaction between pruning and LCF spraying treatments did not affect the observed parameters

Effects of methyl jasmonate seed treatments on adult oviposition preference and larval performance of seed corn maggot (Delia platura) in corn (Zea mays).

Eliciting host plant resistance using plant hormones such as jasmonates has the potential to protect seeds and seedlings against insect pests; however, several hurdles exist for adapting it for pest management. This includes determining a dose that promotes resistance without limiting plant growth, an application method that growers could use, and ensuring the plants are responsive in the abiotic conditions when the pest occurs. In laboratory and field assays, we tested if treating corn seeds with multiple concentrations of methyl jasmonate would reduce the preference of ovipositing seed corn maggot adults and the performance of larvae feeding on seeds. We found that corn seeds soaked in aqueous 0.2 mM methyl jasmonate solution showed marginally lower seedling growth, but the adult oviposition preference was ~60% lower on these seeds compared to control water-soaked seeds. Seeds that were treated with methyl jasmonate using a conventional polymer-based seed coating showed no effect on seedling growth but reduced adult oviposition preference. In no-choice bioassays with adult flies, we found reduced oviposition on seeds soaked with aqueous methyl jasmonate compared to controls. Larval survival to pupation was also lower in methyl jasmonate-treated seeds. Lastly, the methyl jasmonate-induced resistance also occurred at the lower temperatures typical of the spring soil conditions when this fly is most damaging. Methyl jasmonate seed treatment in aqueous solution or using conventional polymer-based technology, has the potential to deter adult oviposition and reduce maggot performance in spring temperature conditions with minor effects on seed germination and growth. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Combined vigour tests to estimate relative seedling emergence in the field and germination after storage in sweet corn seed lots

This study was carried out to test whether the radicle emergence (RE), cold (CT) and accelerated ageing (AAT) tests and their combinations of CT+RE and AAT+RE can be used to rank sweet corn seed lots according to field seedling emergence and germination after storage. Seed samples for eight hybrid seed lots were stored hermetically over 12 months at 20°C with 9.9-10.2% seed moisture. RE was counted between 32 and 72 hours, AAT was carried out at 41 ± 1°C and 100% RH for 72 hours, and CT at 5°C over two days. RE count was performed after AAT (AAT+RE) and CT (CT+RE). Seedling emergence was tested in two field sowings, in April and May 2022. The vigour test results were correlated with both seedling emergence percentages in the field and germination after storage. Both normal germination after CT (r = 0.73−0.94, P < 0.05−0.001) and AAT+RE72h (r = 0.71−0.84, P < 0.05−0.01) were significantly related to both parameters. The RE test was significantly related to seedling emergence, but not to any post-storage data. The normal seed germination percentage was found to be significant in only one case (sowing 2). Seed vigour in sweet corn seeds and its importance in relation to seedling emergence and seed storage are discussed.

Quality Test of Hybrid Corn Seeds Based on the Position of the Seeds on the Cob with a Comparison of the Parental Ratios that Have Been Applied with Trichoderma sp.

Seeds are a means of production whose quality must be guaranteed and maintained. The seed production, quality testing is an important part. This research aims to determine the effect of seed position on the cob, ratio comparison, and application of Trichoderma sp. on the quality of hybrid corn seeds. This research was carried out in BALITSEREAL, Maros Regency from September to October 2018. This research used a 3-factor factorial design method with a Completely Randomized Basic Design with each treatment combination consisting of 3 replications. The results showed that the position of the base seed had an effect on PK 11.63cm, JAS 4.51. The position of the middle seed has an effect on BKKN 12.31g, DHL 8.19 (cm-2). A ratio of 1:2 has an effect on a JAS of 4.47. A ratio of 1:3 has an effect on a PAP of 16.84cm. Trichoderma sp. 108 has an effect on DHL 9.56 (cm-2). The interaction of the position of the middle seed with a ratio of 1:2 has an effect on BKKN 12.85g. The interaction of base seed position with a ratio of 1:2 has an effect on JAS 4.77. The interaction of base seed position with a ratio of 1:3 had an effect on DB of 99.33%. The interaction between middle seed position and Trichoderma sp. 104 has an effect on BKKN 12.89g. The interaction between seed base position and Trichoderma sp. 104 had an effect on JAS 4.83, PK 12.29cm. The interaction ratio of 1:3 with Trichoderma sp. 10 4 has an effect on BKKN 12.39g. The interaction ratio of 1:3 with Trichoderma sp.10 8 has an effect on PK 11.82cm. The interaction ratio of 1:2 with Trichoderma sp.10 8 has an effect on JAS I4.86, DHL 8.97 (cm-2). Interaction of seed base position, ratio 1:2 and Trichoderma sp. 108 has an effect on JAS 5.60. The interaction of base seed position, ratio 1:3 and Trichoderma sp.10 8 has an effect on PK 13.15cm. Interaction of middle seed position, ratio 1:3 and Trichoderma sp. 10 4 has an effect on BKKN 13.80g on the quality of hybrid corn seeds.

The effect of biofertilizers on nickel accumulation, nitrogen metabolism and amino acid profile of corn (Zea mays L.) exposed to nickel stress.

The issue of heavy metal pollution such as nickel poses a significant environmental concern, exerting detrimental effects on the growth and viability of plant life. Plants have various mechanisms to effectively manage heavy metal stress, including the ability to modify their amino acid type and content. This adaptive response allows plants to mitigate the detrimental effects caused by excessive heavy metal accumulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of biofertilizers on nickel accumulation, nitrogen metabolism and amino acid profile of corn (Zea maysL.) cv. 'PL438' exposed to Ni stress. After disinfecting and soaking in water for 24 h, corn seeds were primed with bacterial biofertilizers (T2: NPK + FZ), fungal biofertilizers (T3: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) + Trichoderma (T)), or a combination of them (T4: NPK + FZ + AMF + T) and were cultured by the hydroponic method in completely controlled conditions. Then, they were simultaneously exposed to nickel chloride at various rates (0, 75, or 150 µM) at the three-leaf stage. They were harvested two weeks later and were subjected to the measurement of Ni content, nitrate and nitrite content, nitrate reductase activity, and amino acid profile by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the application of Ni at higher rates increased Ni, nitrate, and nitrite contents and nitrate reductase activity. The study of Ni accumulation and TF revealed that Ni accumulated in the roots to a greater extent than in the shoots and TF was < 1 in all treatments. The shoot amino acid profile showed that the treatment of Ni+2 increased som amino acids such as aspartic acid, asparagine, serine, histidine, and glycine versus the control, whereas T4Ni+2 increased aspartic acid, glutamic acid, threonine and arginine. The change in amino acids in Ni-treated plants may play a key role in their adaptation to Ni stress. The findings indicate that biofertilizers played a crucial role in mitigating the negative impacts of Ni on corn plants through alterations in amino acid composition and decreased absorption and translocation of Ni.

Population of Bemisia tabaci and Incidence of Yellow Disease in Chili Intercropped with Corn

Bemisia tabaci is one of the limiting factors in chili farming, because it can cause damage both directly and indirectly as a vector for the Pepper yellow leaf curl virus (PepYLCV). Intercropping chili with corn is one of the efforts to control B. tabaci. Physically, corn plants are able to withstand the presence of B. tabaci, in addition to producing volatile compounds that are repellent to B. tabaci. This research was conducted to determine the optimal age of corn plants to be intercropped with chili plants. The research was conducted in Pleret District, Bantul Regency by testing five different ages of corn: 2 weeks after planting, 6 weeks after planting, 8 weeks after planting, 10 weeks after planting and control (without intercropping with corn). Weeks after planting are counted from the first day the corn seeds were planted. Yellow sticky trap (YST) was used to determine the presence of B. tabaci population in each treatment plot. YST was tied to bamboo sticks and placed on treatment beds with as many as 2 (two) traps per treatment plot. The distance between the yellow sticky trap and the plant was 30 cm, so the height of the trap was always adjusted according to the height of the plant. Observation of B. tabaci population was carried out every 5 days by counting the number of B. tabaci caught in yellow sticky traps. The results showed that the population of B. tabaci in the chili plots intercropped with corn was lower than that in the control plot, especially at the age of 6 weeks after planting (WAP). However, the intercropping of chilies and corn had no significant effect on the incidence of yellow disease in chilies.

Salicylic Acid in the Physiological and Sanitary Quality of Corn Seeds

The exogenous application of salicylic acid has been used as a technique to minimize the harmful effects of salts on plants and improve the physiological quality of seeds. Thus, the objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of salicylic acid on the physiological and sanitary quality of corn seeds. The work was continuous in a completely randomized design, using the hybrid B2315PWU. The treatments were: Treatment 1 (Control), Treatment 2 (500 uM), Treatment 3 (1000 uM), Treatment 4 (1500 uM) and Treatment 5 (2000 uM). The following assessments were carried out: Cold test; first count; germination; seedling length (aerial and root parts); dry mass of seedlings and health test. Salicylic acid did not influence the first count (vigor), germination and cold test. Dry mass increased linearly with increasing salicylic acid concentration. At concentrations up to 1000 uM there was an increase in the aerial and root length of the seedlings. From control to a concentration of 1000 uM, salicylic acid contributes to the incidence of fungi in corn seeds. Physiological variables have a negative relationship with sanitary variables, that is, as the expression of the physiological quality of sensations improved, the incidence of fungi in the seed decreased. Keywords: Zea mays L. Pathology. Physiology. Seedling. Resumo A aplicação exógena de ácido salicílico vem sendo utilizada como uma técnica para minimizar os efeitos deletérios dos sais sobre as plantas e como um propulsor da qualidade fisiológica de sementes. Assim, o objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes concentrações de ácido salicílico na qualidade fisiológica e sanitária de sementes de milho. O trabalho foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, utilizando o híbrido B2315PWU. Os tratamentos foram: Tratamento 1 (Testemunha), Tratamento 2 (500 uM), Tratamento 3 (1000 uM), Tratamento 4 (1500 uM) e Tratamento 5 (2000 uM). Foram realizadas as avaliações: Teste de frio; primeira Contagem; germinação; comprimento de plântulas (parte aérea e radicular); massa seca de plântulas e teste de sanidade. O ácido salicílico não influenciou na primeira contagem (vigor), germinação e teste de frio. A massa seca aumentou linearmente com o aumento da concentração de ácido salicílico. Nas concentrações até 1000 uM houve aumento do comprimento aéreo e radicular de plântulas. Da testemunha até a concentração de 1000 uM o ácido salicílico diminuiu a incidência de fungos em sementes de milho. As variáveis ​​fisiológicas têm relação negativa com as sanitárias, ou seja, à medida que melhora a expressão da qualidade fisiológica das sementes diminui-se a incidência de fungos na semente. Palavras-chave: Zea mays L. Patologia. Fisiologia. Plântula.

Efficient eco-friendly synthesis of carbon nanotubes over graphite nanosheets from yellow corn: a one-step green approach

The present work reports the synthesis of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) over graphite nanosheets by an easy and simple approach without using any external catalyst. Simply, yellow corn seeds were thermally annealed in a hydrogen atmosphere at 1050 °C for 3 h without any pretreatments. Notably, the growth of MWCNTs was observed to preferentially occur on the outer surface of the corn shell. This uncomplicated approach not only emphasizes the feasibility of synthesizing carbon nanomaterials using agricultural by-products but also underscores the potential applications of these synthesized materials in various fields. Samples were examined through a comprehensive analysis employing various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The findings unveiled the formation of rolled graphene accompanied by the presence of vertical multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) positioned over stacked graphene sheets. This detailed characterization provides insights into the structural features and arrangement of the synthesized materials, paving the way for a deeper understanding of their potential applications. The pyrolysis temperature is a crucial factor in the morphological characteristics of the synthesized carbon nanostructures. While graphene cage-like structures were obtained at 800 °C, small carbon nanotubes were grafted to larger ones and formed three-dimensional hierarchical morphologies when the annealing temperature increased to 900 °C. The growth mechanism of the carbon nanotubes was explained based on the jet self-extrusion of the generated gases through the inherent pores of the corn seeds. The current technique employed in manufacturing MWCNTs shows significant promise as a green synthesis method for producing catalyst-free MWCNTs suitable for industrial applications including sensors and energy storage materials.

Research on nondestructive detection of sweet-waxy corn seed varieties and mildew based on stacked ensemble learning and hyperspectral feature fusion technology

The variety and quality of corn seeds are crucial factors affecting crop yield and farmers’ economic benefits. This study adopts an innovative method based on a hyperspectral imaging system combined with stacked ensemble learning, aiming to achieve varieties classification and mildew detection of sweet-waxy corn seeds. First, data interference is eliminated by extracting the spectral and texture information of each corn sample and preprocessing the data. Secondly, a stacked ensemble learning model (Stack) was constructed by stacking base models and meta-models. Its results were compared with those of the base models, including Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), and Random Forest (RF).Finally, the overall performance of the model is improved through the information fusion strategy of hyperspectral data and texture information. The research results indicate that the GBDT-Stack model, which integrates spectral and texture data, demonstrated optimal performance in the comprehensive classification of both corn seed varieties and mold detection. On the test set, the model achieved an average prediction accuracy of 97.01%. Specifically, the model achieved a test set accuracy ranging from 94.49% to 97.58% for different corn seed varieties and a test set accuracy of 98.89% for mildew detection. This model not only classifies corn seed varieties but also accurately detects mildew, demonstrating its wide applicability. The method has huge potential and is of great significance for improving crop yield and quality.

Perbedaan Kepadatan Benih dan Nutrisi Organik terhadap Produktivitas Green Fodder Jagung

Hydroponic green fodder is a method for producing forage for livestock in a short time (approximately 7–8 days) without soil. It can be an alternative source of high–quality forage to increase the productivity of ruminant livestock. This research aims to compare differences in seed density and the addition of organic nutrients in the form of shallot skins to the productivity of maize green fodder. Fodder planting is done using a hydroponic system with an automatic watering system. The variables measured were fresh and dry biomass production, conversion of green fodder to seeds, plant height, and nutrient content in corn seeds and green fodder. The experimental design used was a 3 x 2 completely randomized factorial design with treatment factors in the form of seed density (1,25; 1,5; and 1,75 kg/m2) and organic nutrition (soaking with tap water and soaking with shallot skin). The results showed that the production of fresh biomass, dry biomass, and plant height were significantly different (P&lt;0,05) influenced by seed density. Total fresh and dry biomass increased with increasing seed density (P&lt;0,05). Plant height increases as seed density decreases (P&lt;0,05). Soaking seeds using shallot skins did not have a significant effect on the productivity of corn green fodder. A seed density of 1,5 kg/m2 produces the best productivity in green fodder corn

Physiological, Biochemical, and Ultrastructural Changes in Naturally Aged Sweet Corn Seeds

Due to low starch content and poor seed vigor, sweet corn seeds exhibit poor storage stability. Therefore, understanding the physiological and biochemical changes in seeds after natural aging is crucial for assessing seed status and extending the storage period. This study aims to investigate the physiological, biochemical, and ultrastructural changes in aged seeds of different genotypes. An eight-month natural aging experiment was conducted on 10 sweet corn inbred lines. The results showed an obvious decrease in germination potential, germination ratio, germination index, and vigor index after natural aging, and two inbred lines with stronger tolerance to natural aging were identified from the 10 inbred lines studied. In aged seeds, levels of gibberellin, abscisic acid, total protein, total starch, as well as activities of antioxidant enzymes, lipoxygenase, and amylase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, exhibited significant differences among inbred lines. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation among four seed vigor indices and a highly negative correlation between seed vigor indices and MDA content. Germination ratio, germination index, and vigor index displayed a highly negative correlation with lipoxygenase activity. Furthermore, starch granule decomposition was observed in the endosperm of low-vigor inbred lines, contrary to amylase activity. Thus, this study indicates variations in seed vigor, biochemical indicators, and the ultrastructure of aged sweet corn seeds among different genotypes. Both lower lipoxygenase activity and reduced MDA accumulation contribute to seed resistance to aging.

Зміни жирнокислотного складу проростків кукурудзи за впливу мікробіологічного комплексу

Orientation of agricultural production to ecological expediency leads to interest in the use of microbial preparations that are able to increase the resistance of plants to negative environmental factors and activate germination processes. This study was conducted with the aim to investigate the influence of a microbiological complex on the sowing properties of seeds and the fatty acid composition of seedlings of different breeding samples of corn. Methods. Corn seeds of two lines 1-Ak026 and 2-Ak033 and their simple interline hybrid, which is the parent component of the three-line hybrid NUBiSe included in the State Register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in Ukraine, were used for the research. Seed inoculation was carried out with a microbial complex, which contained biological preparations Sporazyn, Avercom, and Phytovit. Seedlings from the seeds of the corresponding corn samples not treated with the microbial complex served as controls. The fatty acid composition of lipids was determined in the biological material of corn seedlings of different variants of the experiment. The Folch method was used to extract fats from plant material. Hydrolysis and methylation of fatty acids of lipids obtained from corn seedlings was carried out according to DSTU ISO 5509-2002. Fatty acids were detected and identified by gas chromatography. The quantity of fatty acids was calculated by the method of internal normalization in percentages. Results. The influence of the microbiological complex on the quantitative and qualitative composition of fatty acids of the lipid complex of corn seedlings was established, which depended on the breeding sample. In the process of research, 22 fatty acids were detected and quantitatively identified in corn seedlings. In the seedlings of lines 1-Ak033 and 2-Ak033, 20 and 19 of them were found, respectively, and in the hybrid – 18. The highest percentage content (more than 90 %) was revealed for palmitic (C16:0), oleic (C18:1n9c), and linoleic (C18:2ω6c) fatty acids. The use of the microbial complex made it possible to detect the fatty acids in line 1 and the hybrid that were not detected in the samples without inoculation. Conclusions. The study of the fatty acid composition of the microbial preparation Sporazyn revealed the highest content of unsaturated fatty acids (67.47 %) and the ratio of saturated to unsaturated (0.48). The use of microbiological preparations on corn seeds increased the activity of the germination processes, which led to the improvement of sowing properties and changes in the fatty acid composition of the lipid complex of seedlings of various breeding forms of Zea mays.

Image-based corn seed embryo orientation detection and adjustment for precision planting

Research has indicated that positioning a corn seed with its embryo side facing upward and its long axis perpendicular to a seeding row leads to the corn leaves growing perpendicular to the seeding row. This positioning results in an increased rate of light interception and yield for the crop. An identification and adjustment prototype was designed to rearrange corn seeds into the aforementioned seed orientation. The main parts are the teeth plate, V-shaped groove, photo sensor, camera, LED light, and pneumatic solenoid valve. When a corn seed enters the prototype, it will first be led to a leaning state, then go through an image acquisition and processing process, where the template matching method will be used to find a region of interest (ROI) on a corn seed image. The embryo side will be identified based on the average normalized saturation value in the ROI. The pneumatic solenoid valve will then be activated to adjust the seed accordingly to the targeted seed orientation. Trial results showed a success rate of 84 % and an average adjustment time of 1.438 s. The proposed method of embryo side direction identification and adjustment will contribute to the development of corn-oriented seeding technology.

Evaluación de la calidad del agua subterránea para uso agrícola en Balzar, provincia del Guayas, Ecuador

Water is a natural and vital resource for living beings and ecosystems. Groundwater is of great importance for human consumption and agricultural activities, but over the years, it has become an increasingly scarce resource. The objective of this research was to evaluate the quality of groundwater extracted from wells used for crop irrigation in Balzar, province the Guayas, Ecuador. Four treatments and three repetitions were used; groundwater extracted from three wells plus a distilled water core. Physical, chemical, microbiological analyzes and a toxicity test with dark incubation were carried out on seeds of radish (Raphanus sativus), cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and corn (Zea mays). Turbidity exceeded permitted levels under TULSMA regulations and bicarbonate and chlorine levels exceeded the permitted limit. The microbiological analysis reflected fecal coliform values above 1000 UFC.100 mL-1 of water, indicating the presence of contaminants in the water sources. Phytotoxicity tests carried out with radish seeds showed a stimulation of radicle growth in well one and mild toxicity in wells two and three. For cocoa and corn seeds, moderate and mild toxicity was evident, respectively in the three wells. Although the maximum permissible limits were exceeded in some variables, the water from the three wells can be used for irrigation; however, there is a need to take measures to improve the quality of the water in these wells.

The use of image analysis to study the effect of moisture content on the physical properties of grains.

Designing machines and equipment for post-harvest operations of agricultural products requires information about their physical properties. The aim of the work was to evaluate the possibility of introducing a new approach to predict the moisture content in bean and corn seeds based on measuring their dimensions using image analysis using artificial neural networks (ANN). Experimental tests were carried out at three levels of wet basis moisture content of seeds: 9, 13 and 17%. The analysis of the results showed a direct relationship between the wet basis moisture content and the main dimensions of the seeds. Based on the statistical analysis of the seed material, it was shown that the characteristics examined have a normal or close to normal distribution, and the seed material used in the investigation is representative. Furthermore, the use of artificial neural networks to predict the wet basis moisture content of seeds based on changes in their dimensions has an efficiency of 82%. The results obtained from the method used in this work are very promising for predicting the moisture content.

Perbandingan Strategi Pemasaran Benih Jagung Malaysia dan Indonesia

This research aims to analyze the corn seeds marketing strategies for Indonesianand Malaysian. The data used in this research is secondary data. The method usedin this research is descriptive and SWOT analysis. Both countries (Indonesia andMalaysia) has a different way of handling corn seed marketing strategies, eachcountry has its advantages and disadvantages in handling the marketing strategy(forcornseed). Keywords: seed, corn, marketing strategy

A maize seed variety identification method based on improving deep residual convolutional network.

Seed quality and safety are related to national food security, and seed variety purity is an essential indicator in seed quality detection. This study established a maize seed dataset comprising 5877 images of six different types and proposed a maize seed recognition model based on an improved ResNet50 framework. Firstly, we introduced the ResStage structure in the early stage of the original model, which facilitated the network's learning process and enabled more efficient information propagation across the network layers. Meanwhile, in the later residual blocks of the model, we introduced both the efficient channel attention (ECA) mechanism and depthwise separable (DS) convolution, which reduced the model's parameter cost and enabled the capturing of more precise and detailed features. Finally, a Swish-PReLU mixed activation function was introduced globally to improve the overall predictive power of the model. The results showed that our model achieved an impressive accuracy of 91.23% in corn seed classification, surpassing other related models. Compared with the original model, our model improved the accuracy by 7.07%, reduced the loss value by 0.19, and decreased the number of parameters by 40%. The research suggested that this method can efficiently classify corn seeds, holding significant value in seed variety identification.

Rapid detection of turtle cracks in corn seed based on reflected and transmitted images combined with deep learning method

Cracks in corn seeds greatly affect their storage tolerance and germination ability. These cracks are categorized as single, double, and turtle cracks. The vigor experiment showed that turtle cracks lead to the poorest seed vigor, with significantly lower germination rates after artificial aging. Traditional methods to detect turtle cracks, like lightboxes, staining, and colorimetry, are inefficient or costly. Therefore, a detection method for turtle cracks of corn seeds based on reflected light and transmitted light images combined with deep learning was proposed. The transmitted and reflected light images on embryo and endosperm surfaces of 2000 corn seeds with different crack were collected. A Based on Self-Attention Modul Convolutional Neural Support Vector Networks (SACNSVN) model was proposed to detect the turtle cracks seeds, and compared with the model established by LSTM, CNN, BLR, SVM, and MLP. The effects of embryo surface, endosperm surface, varieties and maturity on turtle crack detection were investigated. The results showed that: (1) The transmitted light image had a significant correlation with 62 and 58 indicators of cracks and turtle cracks, respectively, which better reflected the crack and turtle crack seeds than reflected light image; (2) The accuracy of turtle cracks detection model based on embryo endosperm surface combined dataset were higher than embryo surface, endosperm surface, and embryo endosperm surface mixed dataset; (3) The SACNSVN model provides the optimal accuracy with 82.6%; (4) Variety greatly affects turtle crack detection in corn seeds, while maturity level has a minor impact, and SACNSVN exhibits strong generalization ability. This study provides significant technical support for optimizing the seed processing process and improving the seed quality.

Effect of pomegranate peel on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of tortilla chips prepared from germinated corn and mung bean flour

There is increasing demand of innovative functional foods in the market to cure widely prevalent deficiencies observed globally. In line with this issue, the study was aiming to replace existing snacking habits with the healthier ones by using corn and mung bean seeds to produce their respective germinated flours for production of tortilla chips with varied concentrations (5 %, 10 %, 15 %) of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) for enhancing the shelf life of the chips without use of synthetic preservatives. All these variations were then fried at three temperatures 170, 180, 190ºC for different times 75 s, 60 s, 45 s, respectively and were then evaluated for their proximate composition, antioxidant properties, sensory properties and shelf life for a period of 40 days. Ash content analysis showed increased content up to 7.6 % for T"1 (with 15 % PPP/170 °C). Total antioxidant activity and phenolic content increased with increased peel concentration and decreased with increased frying temperature. After control, the maximum overall acceptability among samples having peel powder was of T2 (with 5 % PPP and fried at 180 °C) with score 7.68. However, the peroxide value and free fatty acid value were found minimum for T"3 (with 15 % PPP and fried at 190 °C) indicating an extended shelf life.