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Influence of Pericarp on Differential Drying Rate in "Mature" Corn (Zea mays L.)¹

Removing the pericarp from kernels of "fast" and "slow" drying corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids resulted in almost identical rates of moisture uptake or loss. Intact kernels of the same hybrids demonstrated differing rates of moisture uptake or loss. Treatment of kernels with a potassium cyanide "killing" solution resulted in no change relative to "faster" or "slower" rates of water loss. This suggests that the differential rates of water loss were due to the physical structure of the pericarp and not to metabolic processes within the kernel. The faster drying rates were associated with thinner pericarps and greater permeability.

Key Words: maize • moisture loss • permeability

² Plant Breeder, Holly Sugar Corp., Tracy, Calif. (formerly Graduate Research Assistant, Purdue Univ.) and Associate Professor of Agronomy, Purdue University.

Received for publication November 8, 1966.