Abstract
This paper describes the relationship between the maturity stages and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) characteristics of sweet corn (Zea mays L.). The NMR parameter T2, which is the spin-spin relaxation time constant, and two conventional maturity parameters, moisture content and alcohol insoluble solids (AIS), of sweet corn samples during maturation, were determined and correlated with reference maturity indices, namely, heat units and sensory maturity scores. The relationships between T2 and the heat unit and sensory maturity score of the samples were linear, suggesting that T2 can be used to establish mathematical models for the prediction of sweet corn maturity to determine harvest time. The major advantages of using NMR are the nondestructive nature, the speed, and the simplicity of the method.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 319-321 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | HortScience |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1999 |
Keywords
- AIS
- Heat unit
- Moisture content
- Nuclear magnetic resonance
- Relaxation
- Zea mays