Effect of Microwave Heat Treatment on Inhibition of Corn Seed Germination

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Purpose: Corn is a major commercial crop targeted for genetic modification owing to its high consumer demand as a foodstuff for humans and livestock, as well as its other industrial applications. However, the safety of genetically modified (GM) crops is controversial. Indeed, several countries have banned the importation of GM seeds that can germinate. Therefore, development of effective, convenient, and nondestructive methods to inhibit seed germination is required. Methods: This study aimed to examine the efficacy of microwave heat treatment for inhibition of germination of corn kernels and for optimization of power and exposure time required for effective aging treatment. Artificial inhibition was induced in corn kernels using microwave heat treatment. Seven power levels were examined (400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 W) at each of the four exposure times (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 min). Results: Corn kernels could be aged effectively after heating for 0.5~1.0 min at powers greater than 800 W, with increasing efficacy observed at higher powers. Further analysis showed that the most effective inhibition of germination was observed at 1000 W for 40 s. This setting did not cause any physical damage to the corn kernels. Conclusions: Optimal inhibition of corn kernel germination was achieved using higher power for shorter times, which may be useful for industrial corn seed treatment.