The effect of mechanical damage on corn (Zea mays) storability as determined by carbon dioxide production and dry matter loss (DML) caused by fungi was quantified. Corn allowable storage time (AST) decreased as percent mechanically damaged kernels increased from 0 to 40%, but AST was relatively constant for damage levels of 40 to 50%. Mechanical damage multipliers were developed for predicting the effect of mechanical damage on corn allowable storage time. Using total damaged kernels (DKT) determined by official grain graders (mostly mold damage in this study) and the DKT criterion for U.S. No. 2 corn, we found the maximum permissible DML for combine-shelled corn (25 to 35% mechanical damage) to be about 0.35%. This level of dry matter loss is lower than the commonly accepted value of 0.5%.
