Harvesting and Seed preservation of Maize

Harvesting and Seed preservation of Maize

Harvesting should be done when plants show distinct signs of drying, the husk cover

is completely dry and the grains are fully mature. Grain maturity could be identified

from the milk line of kernels or the formation of a black layer at the junction of grain

and placenta. Premature harvesting reduces the yield and the germination ability of

the seed. If possible, a prompt harvest of the seed crop after it reaches physiological

maturity is recommended, as delays will unduly expose the seed to temperature,

rainfall, diseases and insects, bird damage, and theft. It is commonly harvested with

15 to 25% moisture content. Harvesting fully mature grain would result in maximum

yield, improved appearance and reduced susceptibility to injury from high drying

temperatures. In Bangladesh, harvesting is done by hand. The cobs are separated

from the stem and the plants are cut near the ground. Soon after harvesting, the cobs

should be dehusked and sundried for about 2-3 days. Dried cobs are shelled either by

corn sheller or by hand. Both power and manually operated sheller could be used.

The shelled kernels should be dried again before storing at optimum moisture level of

12 to 13 percent.

Drying is important before storage to avoid deterioration, reduction of seed borne

insect and diseases attack and to maintain viability of seed. If maize grains are used

for seed purpose, it may be treated with a fungicide or a combination of fungicide and

insecticide to protect it against attack by diseases and insect pests. The treatment

should be done before logging and storage.