Sprout damage can result in a high level of alpha-amylase activity.
However under wet harvest conditions, germination may occur after swathing and prior to combining. It can also occur in lodged wheat. Under extremely warm, wet conditions, it can even affect kernels in standing heads of wheat. When mature kernels absorb water, sprouting results. If the roots and shoots grow past the edges of the germ area, the kernels are severely sprout-damaged.