AMS-GD-2020-27 - BAR Decisions - Corn

1. Is smut affected corn considered damage?

ANSWER. Since smut and mold are virtually indistinguishable smut affected kernels are considered mold damage if they meet VRI C-10.0 Surface Mold (Blight). If the smut penetrates the seedcoat and adheres to the “meat” of the kernel it is considered damage as per VRI C-7.0 Mold Damage. Otherwise, it is considered sound.

2. Are stained corn kernels (other than flooding or fumigant) considered damage or unknown foreign substance?

ANSWER. Stained corn kernels are not considered unknown foreign substance but will function as mold damage provided the kernel is affected by the mold and meets the VRI C-10.0 Surface Mold (Blight). NOTE: Stained corn kernels function as unknown foreign substance if it is known that the stain is caused by a fumigant or any other unknown foreign substances such as grease, ink, or oil..

3. What does the variety of corn produced by Pioneer which is smoky in color function as?

ANSWER. Corn of other colors.

4. What does the variety of corn which is blue in color function as?

ANSWER. Not Standardized Grain (NSG). This variety is predominantly used in making blue corn chips and is typically a “flour” type corn which is not covered by the U.S. Corn Standards. The standards only pertain to shelled dent/flint corn. As NSG, blue corn kernels found in flint or dent corn function as foreign material.

5. Can an inspector scrape the seedcoat on heat damaged suspected kernels if the seedcoat is bleached and/or blistered and it is hard to determine the color of the band extending out of the germ and around the sides and back of the kernel?

ANSWER. Yes. Refer to Damaged Kernels.

6. If corn has been discolored as a result of artificial drying, but the affected kernels do not meet the requirements of VRI C-5.0, “Drier-heat,” can they be taken as heat damage if they meet VRI C-5.1 or C-5.2, Heat Damage White and Yellow corn, respectively?

ANSWER. No. It only functions as damage.

7. How should a sample of corn containing 80.09% Yellow corn, 11.23% White corn, and 8.68% Indian corn be certified in the remarks section of the certificate?

ANSWER. When certifying Mixed corn, record the percentage of the mixture to the nearest tenth percent. In this instance, the mixture would certify as Yellow corn 80.1%, White corn 11.2%, and corn of other colors 8.7%.

8. Is corn that is fire burnt on the cob considered damage if only the crown is discolored?

ANSWER. Yes. Currently, there is not an visual reference image, but it is considered damaged if:

1. The complete crown is burnt (black); or

2. The crown is burnt, cracked open, and the starch shows a creamy discoloration.

9. What does Kernel Red Streak function as?

ANSWER. Corn of Other Colors, provided it meets the VRI requirements of O.F.- 7.5 in Yellow corn and Mixed corn and (C) O.F-7.7 (More than Slight Tinge-Pink) in White corn. A toxin secreted by the wheat curl mite is responsible for the development of the reddish to pink/purple streaks on the kernel pericarp. Kernel Red Streak is a cosmetic blemish and has no reported effect on the feeding value of affected corn. It occurs in Yellow and White Corn, with major differences occurring among hybrids in the amount and intensity of red streaking.

10. Can specialty corns such as high amylose corn and high oil corn be graded under the U. S. corn standards?

ANSWER: Yes. Currently, the only restriction placed on the inspection of specialty type corn pertains to varieties which have a blue, red, or purple pericarp. These types are inspected on a factor only basis according to Directive 9180.82, “Inspection of Specialty Type Corn.”

11. If an applicant requests a review inspection for Heat Damage (HT) only what result is shown for Damaged Kernels (total)(DKT)?

ANSWER. Since HT is included in DKT and performed on the same portion a new analysis for HT and DKT would have to be performed. The new analysis for HT and DKT would supersede the previous result.

Contact

FGISBoardofAppealsandReviewSubjectiveAnalysisGroup@usda.gov

Publication Date
03/03/2022