The methods of seed mixes separation in the process of their postharvest handling (on the example of corn)

Abstract

The methods of seeds mixes separation in the mode of sieve screening, gravitational parting and air handling are investigated. Depending on the mode, the regularities of sowing fractions formation and also regulations of corn seeds separation are defined.

The aim and tasks of the study. To figure out the influence of separation methods on the coming out and quality of hybrid corn seeds, to work out their separation regulations.

Material and methods. The experiments included laboratory modeling of the seed separation process in the mode of sieve, gravitational and aerodynamic separation. Depending on the separation method, 3-6 sowing fractions are formed, seeds coming out and weight of 1000 is defined, their laboratory germination is studied. The initial material was the corn hybrids DN Demetra and DN Sviatyaz’ of selection of SE Institute of Cereals of NAAS.   

Results and discussion. In a result of sieve and gravitational separation the mixture is naturally divided into 3-6 fractions, which differ in coming out and weight of 1000 seeds. Under aerodynamic separation the mixture is astatically divided into 3 fractions with the considerable content of seeds with different quality in each one. The best seed germination in the experiments was in fractions received on the principle of the «grain width» (1 and 2 fractions) and «grain weight» (heavy and middle fractions). The difference in the germination between the fractions formed according to the principle the «grain width and windage» was little. The mentioned regularities mostly peeped out during the cold seed germination.

Conclusions. It is recommended to start corn seeds separation regulations with the method of sieve screening with the further gravitational and aerodynamic handling depending on the structure of the seed mixture and their physical and mechanic qualities.