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UDC 633.15:631.53.01/.563.2      https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0385

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (2). 

Kyrpa, M. Ya., Kozariichuk, D. V., Lupitko, O. I., Kyrpa, V. M.

¹State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS, 14 Volodymyr Vernadskyi St., Dnipro, 49009, Ukraine

² Bukovyna State Agricultural Research Station of the Institute of Agriculture in the Carpathian Region of NAAS, 21Bohdan Kryzhanivskyi St., Chernivtsi, 48000, Ukraine

Topicality. Drying the seed maize is carried out mostly on ears and significantly affects the yield, quality and cost of seed materials. Seed drying is carried out in compliance with various technical and technological indicators and characteristics of maize seeds. The biological and physical-mechanical properties of seeds, which affect the drying process, are of especial importance, but they have not been sufficiently studied. Purpose. To investigate the characteristics of maize seeds as a product for drying, to identify drying method depending on various indicators of harvest moisture content and heat resistance of maize seeds. Materials and methods. The research was conducted in the Laboratory of Grain Storage Methods and Standardization of the State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine (SE IGC NAAS) in 2023–2025. The research material consisted of maize hybrids bred by SE IGC NAAS. The drying methods and seed quality were studied in accordance with the DSTU 4138-2002 and regulatory guidelines for the operation of grain dryers. The results of the experiments were analysed by means of mathematical and statistical data processing in accordance with the Statistica 5 software. Results. Physico-mechanical, thermophysical and hygroscopic indicators were established that characterize the moisture yield, heat resistance and quality of corn hybrid seeds during their drying process. The peculiarities of drying corn cobs within the harvesting humidity range of 20–36 % were revealed. Conclusions. During the drying process of maize ears, it was found that the rate of moisture loss is higher for cobs (0.41–0.43 % per hour) and lower for grains (0.26–0.30 %). Seed heat resistance indicators include heat cracking, germination, seed vigor and productivity. The effect of different methods of drying maize cobs on seed quality was determined. The highest seed quality was achieved through thermal methods involving heating the seeds to 34–44 °C and at a seed moisture content of 36–20 %.

Keywords:maize, seeds, drying, main technical and technological indicators, drying methods, quality.

UDС 633.15:631.526.322:632.954.338.43      https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0365

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 94–102

Aldoshyn, А. V., Liashenko, N. О., Kovalov, D. V., Fedorenko, E. М., Svinitskyi, L. М. 

State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS, 14 Volodymyr Vernadskyi St., Dnipro, 49009, Ukraine

Topicality. Maize is a crop whose yields and economics are entirely dependent on an effective weed control system and its most important element - herbicides. The technological regulations for growing maize seeds include a significant number of different modern herbicides, which are biologically active substances that affect not only weeds but also agricultural crops. Purpose. The study is aimed at determining the effect of soil-applied herbicides on seed germination and development of parental components of maize hybrids and the economic expediency of their application on seed crops. Materials and Methods. In the course of the research programme, the parental components of the following maize hybrids bred by the State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS were used: DN Synevyr (FAO 190); DN Svitiaz (FAO 250); DN Halateia (FAO 260); Monica 350 MV (FAO 350); DN Vesta (FAO 370). At the experimental plots, soil-applied herbicides were used at the average rate recommended by the manufacturer: Harness®, (2.25 l/ha); Proponit®, (2.5 l/ha); Dual Gold® 960 EC (1.4 l/ha); Primextra TZ Gold 500 SC, (4.25 l/ha). The trials were conducted at the SE Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS during 2018–2021. Results. The field seed germination of parental components in the control and herbicide background was determined. The toxic effect of the herbicides Proponit, Primextra and Dual Gold on the seed germination of individual parental components was determined. The synchronicity in flowering of female and male inflorescences of the parental components of maize hybrids was studied. A significant difference in the duration of the period ‘’seedlings - flowering‘’ between the female and male components of DN Svitiaz hybrid on the background of Primextra
herbicide was noted. The economic expediency of applying herbicides on seed maize crops was substantia-ted. Conclusions. Maize seed production requires considering the impact of soil-applied herbicides on seed germination and synchronicity in flowering of parental components, as well as the economic expediency of their application at hybridisation plots for specific hybrids.

Key words: maize, parental components, soil-applied herbicides, grain yield, profitability level, economic expediency, prime cost, profit

UDC 663.11:631.547.66:561.1.05      https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0366

Grain Crops. 2025. 9 (1). 103–108.

Siroshtan, A. A., Zaima, O. A., Kavunets, V. P., Koliadenko, S. S. 

The V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat, Tsentralne village, Obukhiv district, Kyiv region, 08853, Ukraine

Topicality. Pre-harvest sprouting is one of the factors contributing to losses in yield and quality of grain crops. This phenomenon is becoming a growing problem in the face of changing climate conditions. The main method for avoiding undesirable seed germination in the spike is selection for the duration of primary (post-harvest) seed dormancy. The study of this issue is of great practical importance in new varieties of bread and durum winter wheat and is currently relevant. Purpose. To determine the duration of post-harvest seed dormancy in new varieties of soft and durum winter wheat depending on variety characteristics. Materials and methods. The research was conducted on 17 bread (Triticum aestivum L.) and 2 durum (Tri-ticum durum Desf.) winter wheat varieties during 2022–2024. At the beginning of the full ripeness stage, 30 spikes of each variety were selected in the plots. Two to three days after threshing, the grain was sieved on a 1.7x20 mm sieve and 100 seeds were placed on a sandy bed with a moisture content of up to 60 % of the total moisture capacity. The germination dishes were placed in a thermostat with a constant temperature of +20 °C, and then the germinated seeds were counted on days 3, 5, 7, 10 and every 5 days thereafter. In varieties with a short post-harvest dormancy period, 50 % of seeds germinated within 30 days or less, and in   varieties with a long dormancy period, more than 35 days. Results. Most of the bread winter wheat varieties had a short period of primary dormancy. The shortest dormancy period was observed in the varieties Hratsiia Myronivska, MIP Lada, MIP Assol, MIP Dniprianka and MIP Vidznaka. The varieties MIP Nika, MIP Ae-lita, MIP Vyshyvanka, MIP Feieriia can be attributed to the varieties with a long period of post-harvest dormancy, in which more than 50 % of seeds germinated by 40-45 days. The longest period of post-harvest dormancy was found in varieties MIP Nika and MIP Aelita, in which the number of germinated seeds was 53 and 59 %, respectively, on the 50^th day of the study. It was found that the period of post-harvest seed dormancy in the studied varieties of durum winter wheat was much shorter than in bread winter wheat. Thus, MIP Lakomka variety had 2 % of germinated seeds on the 3^rd day, and 79 % on the 5^th day, and Duniasha variety – 4 and 74 %, respectively. Conclusions. The presented experimental data indicate the varietal specificity of the duration of post-harvest seed dormancy in bread and durum winter wheat seeds. The different resistance of winter wheat varieties to pre-harvest sprouting is explained by the different duration of its post-harvest seed dormancy. This trait should be considered in breeding practice, and especially in seed production, in terms of harvesting and sowing dates. Optimization of harvest dates depending on varietal characte-ristics allows minimising yield losses and ensuring maximum seed quality.

Key words: post-harvest ripening, seed germination, bread and durum winter wheat varieties

UDC 633.15:631.562/.526.32/.53.01/.53.011.2/.559

https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0335

Grain Crops. 2024. 8 (2). 220–225

Kyrpa, М. Ya., Kovalov, D. V.,  Kozariichuk, D. V.  

¹State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS, 14 Volodymyr Vernadskyi St., Dnipro, 49009, Ukraine

²Bukovyna State Agricultural Research Station of the Institute of Agriculture in the Carpathian Region of NAAS, 21 Bohdan Kryzhanivskyi St., Chernivtsi, 58000, Ukraine

Topicality. Post-harvest processing technologies for maize seeds include seed separation, which has a significant impact on the seed quality.  The main methods of separation include sieving a seed mixture on flat sieves with different mesh sizes depending on the linear size of the seeds. This sieving technique helps to separate fractions with high sowing and yield properties. Purpose. To establish the peculiarities of sieving of seeds of maize hybrids and their parental components, as well as determine the seed fractions with high germination and yield properties. Materials and Methods. The object of the research was hybrids and their parental components of the selection of the SE Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS. Seed separation was carried out on sieves with different mesh types and sizes: round meshes with a diameter of 7.0–9.5 mm and oblong meshes with a diameter of 4.5–7.00 mm. Seed quality indicators of individual fractions were determined according to the standard DSTU 4138-2002, as well as in the field according to the methodology of the SE Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS. Results. The process of sieving of maize seeds is studied on the example of different maize hybrids and self-pollinated lines. The dependencies between the yield of individual seed fractions, their linear size (width and thickness of the seed) and quality are revealed. The process of sieving of maize seeds is studied on the example of different maize hybrids and self-pollinated lines. It was found that the yield and quality indicators depend on the physical and biological properties of the separation object. Conclusions. When seed was separated on sieves with round openings, the main part of hybrid seed was separated on sieves with mesh size of 8.0–8.5 mm (DB Khotyn) and 9.0–9.5 mm (DN Khortytsia), seeds of their parental components were separated on sieves with mesh sizes of 7.0–8.0 mm and 8.5–9.0 mm, respectively The highest field germination is observed in seed fractions separated on sieves with round opening of 8.5–9.0 mm and oblong opening of 4.0–5.5 mm. In the process of sieving, the type and size of sieves (by the type of opening) is subject to control, depending on the yield of individual seed fractions and their germination.

Key words: separation, maize seeds, hybrids and self-pollinated lines, fractions, yield, seed germination

UDC 633.15:631.526.325:581.145      https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0311

Grain Crops. 2024. 8 (1). 51–55

Kyrpa М. Ya., Lukianenko T. M.  

State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS, 14 Volodymyr Vernadskyi St., Dnipro, 49009, Ukraine

Topicality. The sowing quality of maize seeds is determined by standardised indicators that do not fully cover the sowing and yield properties of hybrids, resulting in problems with calculating seeding rates and planning the optimal plant density. Purpose. To investigate and establish laboratory quality indicators of maize seeds with a higher level of correlation with field germination and yield. Methods. The laboratory and field, and statistical and mathematical methods were used; in laboratory experiments, seed quality indicators and methods of their determination were studied, and in field trials, the influence of other seed quality indicators on germination and yield of maize hybrids of the SE Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS of Ukraine was determined. Result. Indicators that significantly affect the sowing and yielding properties of maize hybrid seeds have been identified, including germination by cold germination, growth rate and seed evenness. Methods have been developed to determine the above parameters. Germination was determined by the simulation parameters of the period from sowing to seedlings; growth rate – by the number of seeds with a sprout length of 5 cm or more; seed evenness – by the seed weight from two adjacent sieves after separation. The current method for determining seed moisture content was also improved by changing the heat exposure. Conclusions. The new seed quality indicators have a correlation level with field germination of maize hybrids in the range of 0.6–0.75, which should be applied in seed harvesting, processing and storage, and the methods should be used in the seed certification system to improve and expand the scope of analysis and suitability of seeds for sowing.

Key words: maize hybrid seeds, quality indicators, methods of determination, seed certification

UDC 633.11:631.53.027.2:632.95        https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0312

Grain Crops. 2024. 8 (1). 56–62

Olefirenko B. A., Demydov O. A. 

The V. M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat, Tsentralne village, Obukhiv district, Kyiv region, 08853 Ukraine

Topicality. Diseases and pests cause significant damage to spring wheat crops and can dramatically reduce grain yields and deteriorate sowing quality of seeds. Effective pest control requires rational and scientifically based application of crop protection products. Purpose. To investigate the effect of fungicide and insecticide treatments during different development stages of spring durum wheat on the seed yields and sowing quality. Materials and Methods. Fungicides Funhisyl, Aviator and insecticides Kanonir Duo, Engio 247 SC were investigated on durum spring wheat varieties. Results. Appling the fungicides increased the grain yield of varieties by 0.18–0.47 t/ha. The MIP Kseniia and MIP Magdalena varieties cropped higher yields in variants with application of Funhisyl and Kanonir Duo during three stages of organogenesis, and of MIP Perlyna variety – of Aviator and Kanonir Duo. When applying only fungicides, the highest yield was obtained after three treatments with Aviator. Applying only insecticides resulted in yields of varieties at the level of 3.29–3.62 t/ha. A greater increase in the yield of the MIP Kseniia and MIP Magdalena varieties was obtained due to treatment with Engio at the VIII and X stages of organogenesis, and the varieties of MIP Perlyna – Kanonir Duo. In variants with spraying with plant protection products, an improvement in the sowing qualities of seeds was noted. The best indicators were obtained to applying fungicide Fungisyl during three stages of organogenesis and in combination with insecticide Kanonir Duo during X stage of organogenesis. Conclusions. Application of fungicides Fungisyl (0.5 l/ha) and Aviator Xpro 225 ES (0.6 l/ha) and insecticides Kanonir Duo (0.1 l/ha) and Engio 247 SC (0.1 l/ha) on durum spring wheat crops during the growing season contributes to an increase in grain yield and improvement of sowing quality.

Key words: durumspring wheat, fungicides, insecticides, efficiency, yield level, seed yield, germination energy, laboratory germination

UDC 633.15:631.53.026/.027       https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0258

Grain Crops. 2023. 7(1). 56–62.

Kyrpa М. Ya., Kovaliov D. V., Filipkova N. S. 

State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS, 14 Volodymyr Vernadskyi St., Dnipro, 49009, Ukraine

 Topicality. The research on the preparation of high-quality seed of maize hybrids based on the consideration of their technical and technological properties at the stages of harvesting, processing and storage is relevant today. Purpose. To study and determine the essential physical parameters that characterise technical and technological characteristics and affect the seed quality of maize hybrids. Methods. The research includes theoretical and practical calculations with a review of literature sources, laboratory and model experiments and the laying out of field trials, mathematical and statistical evaluation of the data obtained. The experiments were carried out according to standardised methods of DSTU and agrotechnical recommendations, and the source material was hybrids bred by the State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. Results. The most significant physical characteristics of seeds are evaluated: shape, linear size, volume and geometric surface of seeds, their weight and specific weight, mechanical strength of maize hybrids and self-pollinated lines, and differences between them are determined. Experiments on seed separation, drying and storage were carried out, and certain physical characteristics were identified that have a special impact on the technology of these processes and form the seed quality. Conclusions. The dry seed quality during the separation process is most affected by the linear size of the seed, in particular, seed width, depending on which the fractions with the highest germination and yield are separated (tailing through round holes of 8 mm and more in diameter). Drying is influenced by the coefficient that characterises the ratio of the geometric area to the volume of the seed; at a coefficient of more than 1.0 (in experiments – 1.14–1.22), the intensity of moisture transfer and the drying rate increase by 8.3–15.7 % compared to a coefficient of 1.0. During storage, especially long-term storage, the quality and resistance of seeds is affected by the equilibrium moisture content, which should be at the level of 12 %, depending on the environmental conditions.

Key words: maize seed, harvesting, drying, storage, physical characteristics, germination, yield

UDC 633.15:631.527                https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0259

 Grain Crops. 2023. 7(1).  62–67.

Svinitskyi L. M.

State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS, 14 Volodymyr Vernadskyi St., Dnipro, 49009, Ukraine

Topicality. Maize is a monoecious cross-pollinated plant with a well-defined proterandry, however, some maize samples show persistent proterogyny. A significant manifestation of proterandry and proterogyny tends to negatively affect the pollination quality of ears and the yield of lines during reproduction. Synchronisation of flowering the ear in the female component and the tassel in the male component is essential for the reproduction of sterile analogues of self-pollinated lines and for production of F1 hybrid seeds. Since the lack of coincidence in flowering dates can cause poor pollination and the formation of ears with incomplete kernel set and further loss of seed yield. Purpose. To determine the variability of the seedling – flowering period of female and male inflorescences of parental components in maize hybrids under the influence of abiotic factors. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted at the Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS of Ukraine during 2018–2021. In the experiment, 15 parental components of maize hybrids were used: DK216M sterile, DK216SVZM, DK273MV, DK777M, DK777ZMSV, DK680MVZS, DK315M sterile, DK315SVZM, DK239MV, NT 004 sterile, NT 004 fastener, TT005, DK2064M, DK2064SVZM, DK633/325 MV. The flowering date for inflorescences of parental components was recorded at flowering of 50% of plants on the plot. Results. The agrometeorological conditions were quite contrasting over the years of research, which allowed us to comprehensively assess the variability of the seedling-flowering period of female and male inflorescences in the parental components of maize hybrids. We found that the parental components were differently sensitive to environmental changes; the dichogamy of flowering of male and female inflorescences in most maize genotypes has traits of proterandry. Proterogyny was observed in some samples under cool weather conditions with high precipitation. Conclusions. We found that abiotic factors affect the variability of the seedling-flowering period for female and male inflorescences in the parental components of maize hybrids, however, in our experiments, the variability of the seedling-flowering period in maize was very low. The obtained results indicate the possibility for reliable seed production of maize hybrids DN Synevyr, DN Svitiaz, DN Halateia, Monika 350 MV, DN Vesta in the Steppe of Ukraine.

Key words: maize, parental components, seedling-flowering period, proterandry, proterogyny, range of variation, coefficient of variation

UDC 631.563.9                       https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0234              

Grain Crops. 2022. 6(2). 62–69.

Kyrpa, М. Ya. 

StateEnterpriseInstitute ofGrainCrops ofNAAN, 14 VolodymyraVernadskohoSt.,Dnipro, 49009, Ukraine

Topicality. These researches are due to the grain storage problem, the features of maize grain storage in metal silos under the various environmental factors, as well as more efficient using the material and technical facilities, including the grain storages of new generation. Purpose. To establish the types of grain storage facilities that are most appropriate for storing the yield of different crops, to improve metal silos and maize grain storage technologies. Materials and Methods. During experiments on maize grain storage, we used the metal silo equipped with a system of sensors to measure the temperature in different places of grain heap. We studied two models of grain storages, such as a standard construction (control) and an experimental one thermal isolated with a polyurethane layer. During the storage experiment, grain quality was monitored on grain moisture content, dockage, damage and germination. Results. Different types of grain storage facilities storing main volume of grain harvest were characterized; the technical, economic and technological advantages and disadvantages of grain storage were highlighted; directions for further development are outlined. The features of maize grain storage in the metal silos under influence of external meteorological conditions for 60 day were established. Temperature fluctuations were 7.1–13 °С in grain storage with thermal insulation, 4.5–25.9 °С – without insulation. As a result of significant temperature fluctuations, the grain was moistened by 2.2 %, its acidity increased by 1 degree, germination decreased by 7 %. At the stage of preparation for storage, maize grain should be cleaned to purity of 93–97 % by removing grain impurities. An effective method for this is fractional separation of grain. Conclusions. Thermal insulation of metal silos significantly reduces the negative impact of fluctuations in ambient air temperature, stabilizes the storage mode, and ensures high quality maize grain. The stability of grain during storage increases in the case of selection from it a fraction of grain of small, unfilled, with a low 1000 grain weight.

Key words: types of grain storage facilities, metal silo, thermal insulation, maize, quality, cleaning grain before storage

UDC633.15:631.526.024/.563.1           https://doi.org/10.31867/2523-4544/0207

Grain Crops. 2022. 6. (1). 57–63.

M. Ya. Kirpa, N. S. Filipkova

State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS, 14 Volodymyr Vernadskyi, Dnipro, 49009, Ukraine

Topicality. The seed stock creation and storage is a prerequisite in seed production of maize hybrids in order to provide sowing material in case of various adverse conditions (crop failure, natural disaster, etc.). Depending on the usage and the storage term, there are the insurance, reserve and breeding seed stocks. During storage, the seed germination may reduce; therefore, seed stock should be refreshed with seeds prepared for long-term storage. Issues. In order to prepare seeds for long-term storage, post-harvest processing aimed at forming longevity of hybrid corn seeds should be carried out. Thus, scientific and practical problem is the definition and optimization of technical and technological processes of the preparation of seeds for storage. Aim. To study the features of the formation of maize hybrid seed longevity, to establish methods and factors of post-harvest processing that ensure long-term storage and high seed quality. Materials and methods. In the experiments, we used maize hybrid seeds developed at the State Enterprise Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS. The moisture levels of the harvested seeds were different, and the seeds were processed for further long-term storage. When harvesting moisture is high, post-harvest processing includes different methods of drying, separation by fractional sieve and gravity methods, chemical treatment (seed dressing). Seeds were stored at different moisture content (7–8, 9–11, 12–14 %), in the different packages (paper, fabric, polyethylene), in the dressing and undressing state for 3–4 years. During storage, we have determined the laboratory germination by various methods, field germination, and the unity of sprout emergence. Results. We have established that the formation of longevity and seed quality of maize hybrids depend on features of harvesting and postharvest processing, such as harvest moisture, methods and temperature regimes of drying, sieve and gravity separation with the selection of various seed fractions, terms of chemical seed dressing. It was found that the laboratory seed germination indicator determined by cold test characterizes the economic suitability of maize hybrids for long-term storage. Conclusions. It was established that to obtain the high-quality seeds capable of long-term storage the following is recommended: to dry the cobs at humidity to temperature ratio of 31–36 % to 36–40 °C or 19–30 % to 40–44 °C; to grade seeds by sieving and gravity separator that to obtain two seed fractions, namely conditionally large and medium; to store undressed seed and carry out the dressing stocks immediately before sowing. Under long-term storage of untreated seeds, it is proposed to protect the seed against harmful objects with a combination of abiotic factors as low seed moisture content, cooling, limiting the oxygen access. When the maize hybrid seed with a moisture content of 9–11 % is hermetically packaged, it is guaranteed the storage period of the seed up to 3–5 years, so this method is most practical and cost-effective. It is recommended to determine the suitability of seeds for long-term storage by the germination indicators determined by the cold test.

Keywords: maize seeds, germination, factors and processes of postharvest processing, long-term storage.