Unlike other cereal crops, maize (Zea mays L.) kernels do not shatter and fall on the ground upon reaching maturity. This feature develops constructive conditions for the complete collection of maize grains. However, at this point, kernel growth ceases. At the beginning of the milk-wax maturity stage, ear moisture remained 40% to 50%. Such ears require drying either in the field or in special dryers. For seed production, maize harvest occurs at the complete physiological maturity stage. Synchronized harvesting with kernel separation is an option as and when kernel moisture content remains 2%-30%. However, the entire harvesting operation should be final within 10–15 days. Grain maize harvesting can proceed once the dry matter content exceeds 60% in the kernels. At this stage, a distinct black layer appears at the point where the kernel is attached to the cob. For the preparation of ear-kernel mixtures, harvesting is considerably optimal when the dry matter content of husked ears reaches 50%–60%. However, the harvested material must not stay in the field until late autumn. Once frosts begin, the germination capacity of high-moisture maize kernels declines rapidly. These results provide essential information for the designing and adjustment of maize harvesting and postharvest equipment.
Grain maize (Z. mays L.), maize harvesting, ear and kernel traits, postharvest technology, ear deformation, kernel moisture, seed quality, drying technology, kernel separation, coefficient of variation
Maize’s (Z. mays L.) full mechanical harvesting is possible due to the nonshattering nature at maturity; however, improper combined settings cause substantial losses. Maize optimal harvesting for grain begins at milk-wax maturity; however, full maturity is necessary for seed production purposes.