RESPIRATION OF CEREAL GRAINS AND FLAXSEED

Abstract

Curves representing the relationship between moisture content and respiratory rate of stored cereals are expressed by an exponential formula which approaches a linear form when the logarithm of CO2 respired per unit of time and material is plotted against the arithmetical progression of moisture content. The actual level of respiration of rice, barley and wheat is much the same, oats and rye are at a lower level, maize and sorghum somewhat higher, while flaxseed is at a much higher level. In flaxseed, the moisture content of the physiologically active, hydrophilic colloids may be much higher than the moisture content of the entire seed due to the presence of much oil or fat. Relative electrical capacitance of cereal grains appears to be more highly correlated with rate of respiration than any other single chemical or physical determination heretofore employed as a basis of prediction.