Properties of maize hybrid grain for utilization in wet milling

Abstract

A grain of eight selected hybrids from the Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje was used as the subject of this study. The kernel structure, physical properties and chemical composition of the grain and starch (amylose content) were analyzed before the laboratory wet milling process for starch extraction. The in vitro enzymatic digestibility of the isolated starch was also determined. The wet milling properties were later correlated to the physicochemical characteristics of the grain. The results showed that hybrid ZP 677 had the highest starch yield, followed by hybrid ZP 704wx, while the highest starch recovery was observed for hybrid ZP 341. The highest bran yield (10.52%) was obtained by hybrid ZP 434, and the highest germ yield (8.86%) by hybrid ZP 172/8. The correlation analysis showed that starch yield was positively correlated to 1000-kernel weight and crude fiber content, while oil content negatively influenced starch extraction and yield. The starch digestibility was negatively correlated to the amylose content. These findings can be useful for the starch processing industry as well as in the production of ethanol and alcoholic drinks.