Study on the Group Threshing Characteristics of Maize Ear Kernels

To address the lack of direct experimental characterization of multi-kernel group threshing during maize ear threshing, an experimental study on maize ear group threshing was conducted based on kernel arrangement unit characteristics. By constructing a torque testing system for maize ear detachment, we analyzed the temporal variation in torque during detachment and its response to different experimental conditions. Statistical evaluation of torque variability and stability was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and error bars. Furthermore, high-speed photography was employed to capture continuous images and analyze the trajectories of kernel motion during critical detachment stages, revealing the movement characteristics and shedding behavior of kernel clusters. The results indicate that the maize ear threshing process does not involve individual kernel detachment but primarily manifests as group threshing behavior with the arrangement unit as the fundamental unit. Furthermore, the characteristics of the variation in threshing torque correspond to the collective detachment process of the kernel group. This study provides direct experimental evidence for the group threshing mechanism of maize ears through both torque statistical analysis and high-speed visualization. These findings offer valuable insights for threshing mechanism research and the optimization of threshing components.