The evaluation of crucial factors affecting the maize (Zea mays L.) seed quality at macro- and micro-levels during threshing was the aim of this study. In maize cobs’ threshing machines, the kernel separation occurs through the moving elements under-drum structures, with the protrusion of the concave acting as the main factor attempting to separate the kernels from cobs. Within the disk and vertical cylindrical threshing chambers, the element separating the kernel from the cob core is both the teeth of the moving disk and the teeth located on the inner surface of the cylinder. It impacts the moving cob in the threshing chamber. In obtaining quality grains, the postharvest processing of corn cobs plays a decisive role. This essentially determines how well the said process can take place to get quality maize grains. The proper management of postharvest processing of seed corn and the correct selection, adjustment, and operating conditions of machines reduce losses. This ensures getting the quality seed material for sowing, improving selection, as well as enabling a considerable increase in the economic efficiency of production.
Maize (Z. mays L.), cobs, maize kernels, threshing machines, quality seed, moisture, mass and size, correlation, seed germination, production
Technological measures can reduce the damage to maize (Z. mays L.) kernels and preserve the quality of seed material. The reduction of internal cracks in the maize kernels succeeded in its determination by evaluating their germination rate. As a result, the highest germination rate (98%–100%) emerged for the seed material compared with the required level (92%–96%).