Careful harvesting pays off long after the corn leaves the combine. Grain suffering fewer stress cracks and broken kernels can be stored for a longer time with less threat of spoilage. This means farmers can save on drying expenses, cut drying capacity, and reduce the potential loss from overdrying. Mold produces CO2 as it develops, and it indicates the amount of dry matter consumed in the bin. Other concerns Wilcke adds that with damaged grain, there are more places for mold to grow, and these dark-colored spores are less likely to be knocked off during later handling.
Mold spores adhere more tightly to the rough surfaces than to the smooth skin of undamaged kernels.
Thus, more spores are present when grain is graded. Some insects can't penetrate a whole kernel, but can readily enter through cracks and breaks that are caused during harvesting. Copyright Meredith Corporation 1997-2000. All rights reserved. Visit the home and family sites from our parent company.