ABSTRACT
The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of the dryeration process on the final quality of corn ( Zea mays L.) of the variety Pioneer 3041. Corn samples were submitted to the dryeration process, at three drying temperatures (45, 55 and 65C) and five tempering periods (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 h). The product moisture content, as well its quality using the following parameters was evaluated: susceptibility to breakage, internal damage, external damage, burned grains and presence of micotoxines. The results indicated that the higher the drying temperature and resting period, the higher the reduction in the final moisture content. The dryeration process reduced the susceptibility to breakage and the percentage of grains with internal damages, but did not influence the percentage of burnt grains and production of micotoxines.
Key words:
Zea mays L.; quality; dryeration