QUALITY FACTORS IMPACTING PROCESSING OF MAIZE DENT HYBRIDS

Kernel hardness tests, test weight, seed size, and proximate compositi on tests varied in their ability to predict dent maize (Zen mays, L.) hybrids' alkaline processing, dry milling; and wet milling performance . Quality and processing tests varied among the eight yellow, dent mai ze hybrids and across five growing locations in Nebraska, USA. Dry mil ling performance was best predicted by kernel specific density and har dness measurements, especially the tangential abrasive dehulling devic e (TADD). Hardness tests were significantly impacted by kernel density , protein, and lipid contents, but not by total starch content. Wet mi lling yields were not highly predicted by any one test (r<0.5); howeve r, wet milling and alkaline processing performance correlated with har dness measures, kernel density, and percent floaters. Neither kernel t otal starch or initial moisture content significantly correlated with wet milled starch yields. Lipid content correlated with steeped kernel moisture absorption. Percent moisture absorbed during alkaline proces sing correlated with nixtamal texture, but absorption during wet mille d steeping did not influence steeped kernel texture. Breakage suscepti bility was a good test for predicting alkaline cooking dry matter loss . Ease of pericarp removal was not related to any of the tests. Princi ple component analysis grouped kernel tests explaining kernel traits r elevant to explaining processing variability. Both hybrid and environm ental factors affected most measured traits.