Effects of different moisture content and varieties on physico–mechanical properties of maize kernel and pedicel

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine various physical, mechanical, and pedicel strengths of 28 maize cultivars, with initial moisture content ranging between 19.24 to 36.64% (w.b.). These properties are such as slenderness ratio of maize ear, dimensions, density and 100–seed weight of kernels, picking force of kernel pedicel from cob (pedicel strength). The range of the slenderness ratio of maize ear was 24.91–36.99%. The range of weight for kernel and ear were 176.68–300.09 g, 141.78–229.22 g, respectively. In terms of the sphericity of kernels which ranges between 0.62 and 0.77 depending on the cultivars. When the kernel moisture in the range of 19.24–22.50%, the range of required force for remove one kernel from the cob is 4.71–7.94 N. When the kernel moisture is greater than 22.50%, the maximum force required is 28.50 N. The force required to remove kernels from the cob along the axial direction is greater than that at the radial direction. The knowledge of these parameters is important for the development of new threshing equipment and for reducing the losses that occurred in maize production. Practical Applications Maize is one of the most versatile cereal crops of the world but has a wide application in many industries. The determination of the physical and mechanical properties of maize ear, kernel, and pedicel will provide the reference to design the process of threshing equipment, postharvest machinery, and so forth, in the processing and manufacturing industries.