Measurement of Stress Cracking in Maize Kernels by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract Drying-induced stress cracks in maize kernels were measured during drying and cooling processes by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Stress cracks occurred in the vitreous endosperm in areas with the larger moisture gradients and lower moisture content. Cracks propagated from near the maize surface to the centre of maize kernels during drying in most cases. For the same variety of maize, higher drying temperatures (71 and 93°C) caused more severe cracks than a lower drying temperature (27°C).