Drying kinetics and physiological quality of corn seeds

Abstract

The objective of this work was to determine and model the drying kinetics of organic corn seeds at different temperatures, as well as to evaluate their physiological quality after drying. The drying of organic corn seeds was carried out by keeping controlled temperatures of 30, 40, 50 and 60 °C during periods of 84.3; 20.0; 14.3 and 8.6 hours, respectively. With the experimental data, several mathematical models were adjusted to describe the drying kinetics, and the best model was chosen by statistical criteria. After drying, the seeds were subjected to analyzes of electrical conductivity, germination, emergence e and germination speed index (IVG). The Modified Midilli model was the one that best represented the drying kinetics of organic corn seeds. It was verified that the increase in the temperature of the drying air promotes greater damage to the seeds, due to the increase in the electrical conductivity of the solution. Germination, emergence and IVE had their values ​​reduced by temperature increase. It is concluded that the physiological quality of organic corn seeds is affected by the drying air temperature and that higher temperatures promote greater damage to the seeds. A temperature of 30°C is recommended for drying the seeds.