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C7-P: WHAT IS MAIZE GRAIN QUALITY AND HOW IS IT MEASURED?
M. Radosavljević, Z. Pajić, M. Milašinović Šeremešić
Maize Research Institute, Zemun Polje,
S. Bajića 1, 11185 Belgrade-Zemun, Serbia
Maize grain quality is interpreted and defined in different ways in the scientific literature. The determination of quality of maize intended for an additional utilisation has a significant role in its purchase, processing control, and especially in studies carried out with the aim of further improvement of its utilisation. Beside general requirements related to seed health and purity, each group of processors have specific requirements related to quality [1].
Optimum utilisation of maize means conformity of grain traits with requirements of each individual utilisation (http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Grain/. For instance, the best results in animal nutrition are provided by maize of the chemical composition that is characterised with a high content of protein and oil, as well as, a low content of fibres. Maize of soft that is of floury endosperm that is soaked easily and for a shorter period of time is suitable for wet milling, as it will later provide better separation of starch and gluten. On the other hand, the starch content is the most important criterion in the maize-based alcohol production. According to estimations of leading world experts within this field harmonisation of grain traits with requirements of its utilisation may enhance the value of maize (http://www.ag.iastate.edu/centers/ccur/).
Quality of maize, as a raw material for the industrial processing and animal feed, is determined by the standard JUS E.B3. 516/1. According to this standard maize quality is determined by the following: content and type of admixtures, moisture content, test weight, class of maize quality, organoleptic qualities, presence of pests, microorganisms and residues of plant protection agents, weed killers and pesticides. Maize is sorted in five classes by this standard. In addition to this standard, quality of maize is directly or indirectly defined by several other regulations such as regulations of quality of cereals, feed and food [2].
Studies on physical traits and the chemical composition of maize hybrid grain of high genetic potential of yield, quality and adaptive values carried out at the Maize Research Institute, Zemun Polje since the establishment of scientific and research programmes have been having particular and adequate importance. The co-workers of the Department of Technology have published a great number of scientific papers, book of proceedings and abstracts, several doctoral dissertation and MSc theses, studies, elaborates and books related to this field [3]. Published papers present in detail results of a long-term scientific and research work whose aim was mainly to improve the utilisation of maize as the most important bio renewable raw material of our region. This study encompasses physical properties and the chemical composition of the most recent generation of ZP maize hybrids. The following physical traits, as parameters of grain quality, were determined: 1000-kernel weight and test weight, density, index of flotation and water absorption, milling response, a portion of a hard and a soft fraction of the endosperm and the grain structure, i.e. the content of the pericarp of the embryo and endosperm. The contents of starch, protein, oil, crude fibres and ash in grain of selected maize hybrids were tested in order to determine an essential chemical composition.
Obtained results are of exceptional importance for the improvement of breeding and selection programmes, i.e. for the development of new hybrids, as well as, for the development of new products of biologically valuable food and ecologically safe maize-based products.
References
- J.P. White, Johnson, Corn: Chemistry and Technology, AACC, St. Paul, 2003, 69-235.
- V. Bekrić, Upotreba kukuruza, Instiut za kukuruz, Beograd-Zemun, 1997, 201-242.
- M. Radosavljević, V. Bekrić, M. Milašinović, Z. Pajić, M. Filipović, G. Todorović, Genetic variability as background for the achievements and prospects of the maize utilisation development, Genetika, 2010, 42, 119-135.
