Evaluation of physical damage, germination and vigor of hybrid maize parental lines seeds in Sheller machine

Maize ear Sheller has important role in maize seed processing system. In this research, technical operation of a fabricated maize ear Sheller by Iranian company was investigated. Operational capacity, shelling efficiency, cleaning efficiency and seed damage percentage were studied. In addition, germination and rootlet percentages of shelled maize seeds were analyzed using T-student test. Results showed that, fabricated Sheller has suitable operation. Operational capacity calculated 2.7 (ton/h) in normal condition. When moisture content of maize seed was less than 13% (w.b) and Sheller had suitable feeding, more than 99% of cobs were shelled and physical damages of seed decreased to less than 0.4%. Cleaning efficiency for output maize seeds was 95% and seed remained on cob was less than 1%. Shelling operation did not have negative significant effects on germination and rootlet percentages of maize seeds and reduced less than 0.5 and 2% respectively. This machine can be recommended for medium scale corn seed fields.