Bibliometric analysis of maize ear separation technologies for seed purposes based on the Scopus database

To perform a bibliometric analysis of scientific research on maize ear separation technologies for seed purposes and to identify publication dynamics, leading countries, and thematictrends in this field. Publications indexed in the Scopus database for the period 2020–2025 wereretrieved using an advanced search query. A total of 291 documents were selected and analyzedusing Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, and MapChart. Document types, annual publication trends,country distribution, co-authorship networks, and the evolution of research keywords were examined.Scientific output increased substantially in recent years, and journal articles were the dominantdocument type. China and the United States were identified as the leading contributors. Keywordanalysis revealed a clear transition from conventional agronomic and mechanical approaches towardnear-infrared spectroscopy, artificial intelligence, and data-driven methodologies. Maize ear separation technologies are rapidly evolving toward intelligent, automated, and high-precision systems,which provides a solid foundation for future research and technological development