QUALITY RESEARCH OF SEED MAIZE DURING DRY ING AND CONDITIONING .1. MECHANICAL DAMAGE

In this research we concentrated on the type, size and location of the mechanical damage of two corn genotypes (hybrides) caused during proc essing and in a commercial plant. The analysis of the mechanical damag e was realized with two methods (Dye test and conductivity test with H I-8733) at the Agricultural University in Vienna and at the Federal In stitute of Plant Production in Vienna (conductivity test with ASAC-100 0). The germinative faculty and germinating power were realized by the Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. (Parndorf). The hybrid Dea exhibi ted stronger mechanical damage in comparison with the hybrid Helga til l sizing stages. The round screen machines increased the mechanical da mage further. During the sizing process with slot screens, there was a significant increase of mechanical damage, whereby the round kernels of hybrid Helga proved to be the most sensitive. The results of the an alyses of the two conductivity tests were in a good agreement with eac h other. There was a linear relationship between the values of the mec hanical damage found in the Dye test and by electrical conductivity. I t is demonstrated that this is a convenient and important method which could be used to determine the seed quality of corn. In the hybrid De a the germinative faculty and germination power were affected by mecha nical damage less than expected, the diminution of the germination was caused primarily by germ-, back side- and flower stalk damage.