Mechanical properties of maize kernel horny endosperm, floury endosperm and germ

Abstract

Mechanical damage of maize kernel caused by external forces during processing is closely related to its internal mechanical properties. In this research, three main tissues’ (horny endosperm, floury endosperm and germ) mechanical properties of three maize varieties (Jinyu818, Zhengdan958 and Dafeng30) and five stages of moisture contents (11.78–34.73% w.b.) were evaluated using puncture test. Results showed that there was no (p > .05) or weak significant (0.01 0.80) with each other. This study can be considered as a contribution towards further studying and minimizing the mechanical damage of the maize kernel when applying external force during and post harvesting.

Keywords

• maize kernel
• horny endosperm
• floury endosperm
• germ
• mechanical properties
• puncture test