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Some factors influencing electrolyte leakage from maize (Zea mays L.) kernels

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2008

H. Bruggink
Affiliation:
Centre for Variety Research and Seed Technology, PO Box 32, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
H. L. Kraak*
Affiliation:
Centre for Variety Research and Seed Technology, PO Box 32, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
M. H. G. E. Dijkema
Affiliation:
Centre for Variety Research and Seed Technology, PO Box 32, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
J. Bekendam
Affiliation:
Centre for Variety Research and Seed Technology, PO Box 32, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
*
* Correspondence

Abstract

Even though the embryo of a maize (Zea mays L.) kernel contributes relatively little to total kernel weight, it is a main source of electrolytes which leach from the kernel during imbibition. Ageing of maize kernels for 18 days at 40°C and a moisture content of about 15% results in an increase of electrolyte leakage which almost exclusively originates from the embryo. The effect of ageing is most apparent after prolonged periods of imbibition. Mechanical damage increases leakage early during imbibition, the effect of damage being considerably larger for aged than for unaged kernels. The large amount of electrolytes measured after the first hour of imbibition of undamaged kernels comes mainly from the pericarp. The electrolyte content of the pericarp is variety dependent and may interfere with quality testing by conductivity measurements.

Type
Research Papers
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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Footnotes

1

Bruinsma Seeds, PO Box 24, 2670 AA Naaldwȳk.

2

Bulb Research Centre Lisse, PO Box 85, 2160 AB Lisse.

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