Effects of Moisture Contents on Harvesting time and Drying Methods on Mechanical Properties and Electrical Conductivity of Corn Hybrids

Background and Objectives: Drying affects quality parameters of the grains. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of drying methods, moisture contents at harvesting time and corn hybrids on mechanical properties (deformation, rupture force, firmness, necessary energy and power and toughness at rupture points) and electrical conductivity of corn kernels. Materials and Methods: The study assessed four corn hybrids (Ns640, Jeta600, Konsur580 and SC704) harvested at various moisture contents (20, 30 and 40%) and dried using two drying methods (sun dried and artificially dried using oven at 85–90 °C). Results: Results revealed that corn variety significantly affected mechanical properties since Ns640 included the maximum and Konsur580 the minimum properties, compared to that other hybrids did. Furthermore, variety affected electrical conductivity. Konsur580 variety exhibited a higher electrical conductivity in both drying methods. Moisture contents at harvesting time significantly affected all mechanical properties, except deformation and firmness, in the two drying methods. Higher values of mechanical properties were achieved at 20% moisture. Moreover, effects of the moisture contents on electrical conductivity were significant and kernels with 40% moisture at harvesting time included higher electrical conductivities. Conclusions: Drying methods of corn significantly affected quality parameters and electrical conductivity. Corn kernels dried in sun included higher levels of properties such as rupture force, necessary energy and power, toughness and lower levels of electrical conductivity.