Análise da técnica de silhueta na determinação de propriedades físicas de milho (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The choice and the correct use of the techniques used to determine the water content and the physical properties of agricultural products such as corn (Zea mays L.) are fundamental to obtain consistent and precise data. The objective of this work was to determine the physical properties of corn grains as a function of different water contents and drying air temperatures, using the equations proposed by MOHSENIN (1986) and the Silhouette Technique by means of image processing. The drying air temperature was controlled in 40, 60 and 80 °C. The drying system was composed of an electric tray oven with forced air. Corn in kernels (Zea mays L.), with initial water content of approximately 15.0% w.b., was used in the experiment. The methodology adopted was the drying and the determination of the circularity and orthogonal dimensions of the grains by the direct method using a digital pachymeter, applying the equations already consolidated in the literature. By the results, the two methods, compared by ANOVA and F test at 5%, show to be statistically equal. The circularity and the projected area of the corn decreased with the reduction of the water content. The Silhouette Technique can be used for the determination of the roundness and the projected area of corn without the need of using an instrument for the measurement of the grain dimensions.