- The corn kernel grows in the cob. This is the result of it drying out sufficiently, and then getting a lot of moisture and when it swelled, it sprouted.
- If such grain can be collected, it must be dried as soon as possible.
Grain sprouting occurs quite often in eared cereals, when the grain dries out in the ear on the trunk, and then a wet harvest occurs. High humidity in the field and/or lodged plantations are ideal conditions for grain sprouting.
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Who will pay for this? No disaster commissions, soaked crops to be disposed of
As for the sprouting of corn grain, this is a rare sight in our latitude. Yes, such cases have happened before, but it was rather the effect of long-term rainfall, which prolonged the corn harvest. The grain in the cob also sprouted when the plants, for example, due to hurricanes or strong winds, were lodging, and the cobs were on the ground and constantly drawing moisture from it.
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Corn grain sprouting in September?
Unfortunately, farmers from flood areas are already reporting a problem at this stage of vegetation. In areas where water has entered plantations and the plantations were practically ready for harvest, a sudden increase in humidity has stimulated the grains to germinate. This unfavorable phenomenon raises additional concerns about whether, even if grain is collected from such fields, it will be suitable for sale.
The most vulnerable to grain sprouting are plantations where the grain in the cobs was ripe before being flooded with water, a so-called black spot appeared on the grains, indicating physiological maturity, and it reached a moisture content below 25%. Cobs not covered with cover leaves, i.e. open, also absorb moisture faster.
The longer water stagnates in the field, the greater the risk of sprouting. Water evaporation will cause increased humidity in the cob, which will favor grain germination but also the development of cob fusariosis.
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Grain sprouting, what to do to save plantations?
Plantations where grain sprouting has been detected should be harvested as soon as possible, which in practice in flood areas may be impossible for a long time, and in extreme cases impossible at all.
However, if such grain is collected, it should be dried as soon as possible to 14%, using hot air. This will interrupt the metabolic processes and decomposition of the grain's reserve components. It is also important to be aware that germinating grains are susceptible to the development of molds and fusariosis, which can produce mycotoxins that are dangerous to health and people. Problems with the quality of grain can result in a reduction in price or even its disqualification from purchase. For this reason, it is best not to decide to store such grain. Its problematic quality can generate additional problems during its storage.