Premium
Influence of Pericarp on Differential Drying Rate in “Mature” Corn (Zea mays L.) 1
Author(s) -
Purdy J. L.,
Crane P. L.
Publication year - 1967
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1967.0011183x000700040031x
Subject(s) - zea mays , biology , poaceae , potassium , hybrid , moisture , potassium cyanide , agronomy , botany , horticulture , cyanide , chemistry , organic chemistry , inorganic chemistry
Removing the pericarp from kernels of “fast” and “slow” drying corn ( Zea mays L.) hybrids resulted in almost identical rates of moisture uptake or loss. Intact kernels of the same hybrids demonstrated differing rates of moisture uptake or loss. Treatment of kernels with a potassium cyanide “killing” solution resulted in no change relative to “faster” or “slower” rates of water loss. This suggests that the differential rates of water loss were due to the physical structure of the pericarp and not to metabolic processes within the kernel. The faster drying rates were associated with thinner pericarps and greater permeability.