makka harvest maturity black layer kernel moisture drying grain
How do I know when maize is mature and what moisture to harvest at?
AArvind Singh8mo ago · 338 views
5 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓8mo ago
Maize is physiologically mature when a black layer forms at the base of the kernels and the husks turn dry and brown, after which the grain only loses moisture and not weight. Grain at maturity is often still around 20 to 25 percent moisture, so for safe storage you must dry it down to about 13 to 14 percent. If you harvest cobs and sun dry them on a clean surface, then shell and dry the grain further until it is hard and snaps rather than dents. Harvesting too wet causes mould, fungal toxins and quality cuts at the mandi, while leaving it too long in the field invites pests, rodents and lodging. Use a moisture meter where available, and dry promptly to avoid aflatoxin in humid weather.
DDhananjay8mo ago
The black layer at the kernel base is my signal. I shell and dry till the grain is hard, otherwise it moulds in store.
YYallappa7mo ago
In Karnataka I peel back the husk on a few cobs and scratch a kernel with my thumbnail; if it does not dent and the black layer is there, I start harvest. That simple check matches the moisture meter well enough for me.
RRamesh Mahato7mo ago
One caution: in our humid harvest weather I do not heap freshly picked cobs in a pile even for a day, because they heat and grow mould fast. I spread them thin to dry the same day to avoid aflatoxin and price cuts.
PPradeep Lodhi6mo ago
In Madhya Pradesh I leave the crop a little longer in the field in dry weather so it loses moisture standing and I dry less afterward, but only when there is no pest or rodent risk. Judging the field condition decides whether to wait or harvest and dry.