Milk line as an indicator of the harvesting time of three hybrid seeds of corn (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the time for harvesting seeds of three hybrids of corn (Zea mays L.)

Ideal seeds harvest moment of different maize hybrids

“…In relation to seed dry mater, the maximum was obtained at 72DAF with a coeffi cient of determination of 0.98 ( Figure 1); it is important to point out that the maximum seed dry weight was obtained at few days later than the maximum seed physiological quality (Figure 1). These results are in agreement with FARIA et al (2002) andSANTOS et al (2005), who found high seeds physiological quality in harvest performed before the physiological maturity point. This can be explained on the basis that there is a non uniformity in maturation among the seeds in a population, were some are still at the fi lling stage where other are already mature waiting to be harvested and can deteriorate reducing its physiological quality.…”

The ideal harvest time for seeds of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) XY335 and ZD958 produced in multiple environments

“…This result was supported by several previous studies 10,15,20 . However, one study had another hypothesis that the IHT occurred as close as possible to the PM point 28 .…”

“…The parameters frequently used are black layer formation, milkline development, seed weight (usually expressed as hundred-seed weight, HSW) and seed moisture content (SMC) 11–15 . Black layer formation and milkline development are two characteristics easily detected in the field and usually serve as maturity indicators in practices.…”