A regional analysis model of maize kernel moisture

Abstract

With the popularization of late-maturing and high-yielding maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids, high kernel moisture concentration at the usual harvest time has resulted in increased kernel breakage and additional drying costs. To achieve low kernel moisture at harvest in China's maize-growing areas, there is a need for the selection of fast dry-down hybrids and the prediction of the ideal harvest time. During 2014-2017, the time-series kernel moisture concentrations of three maize hybrids were measured in the field in three major maize-producing regions in China. Our goal was to accurately predict maize kernel dry-down in the field. We found that the Logistic Power model M = 90/[1 + (T/a) b ] could be used to accurately predict the entire dry-down process of maize kernels across hybrids and regions (concordance correlation coefficient, 0.884-0.996; RMSE, 2.76-5.16%; R 2 , .943-.986; and coefficient of residual mass, −0.09-0.14), where M is the kernel moisture concentration (wet basis), a and b are parameters that reflect the dry-down characteristics of the hybrids, and T is the thermal time (˚C d) from silking based on mean daily temperature over the periods of grain-filling and grain-drying. This work provides a new and convenient model for predicting kernel moisture concentration and evaluating the dry-down characteristics of hybrids using parameters a and b. INTRODUCTIONMaize (Zea mays L.) kernel moisture is a significant factor that influences kernel harvest, post-harvest management, Abbreviations: CCC, concordance correlation coefficient; CRM, coefficient of residual mass.

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

“…However, there is no clear quantitative relationship between the environment factors and grain drying process (Borrás & Westgate, 2006; Hallauer & Russell, 1961). Therefore, we used a simplified model for the AcT after silking to fit the changes of GMC, and some previous studies have demonstrated that this method can meet our research needs (Li, Ming, et al., 2018a; Li, Ming, Gao, et al., 2020).…”

Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Organ Water Content in Maize with Different Senescence Types

“…Maize ears, which are independent reproductive organs, consist of kernels, husks, cobs, and peduncles. The kernels are the portion with direct economic value, and the kernel growth, development, water dynamics, and influencing factors have therefore been extensively studied [ 25 , 26 , 27 ].…”