EPPO Global Database

Drying: Soft drying is needed to ensure both the conservation and the germination of seeds. Dryers are adapted according to the size of the lots and species.

Packaging and delivery: maize seeds are packed on a weight basis or number of kernels. For field crop seeds, an official sampling before closing is requested at this step by regulation for seed control and seed certification. Once certified, seeds are then delivered everywhere in Europe.

Harvest: Ears are harvested by dedicated equipment, with soft process for limiting mechanical shocks in order to maintain the germination potential of the seeds and in order to avoid broken kernels. Cleaning between each variety / field is a key element in order to avoid mixing between them and ensure the identity of the harvested varieties.

Cleaning and sorting: Maize seeds are processed for cleaning and sizing. Different types of equipment are used for this step such as cleaners, densitometric tables or colorimetric sorters. These technologies, working under aspiration, allow removal of all other particles which can be present with the seeds. These technologies are also used for seeds of other species

Transfer in factory and husking: Ears/seeds are then transferred to factory for processing. Maize cobs are husked in order to remove the surrounding leaves. Sorting of unwanted cobs can be performed at this stage.

Transfer in factory and husking: Ears/seeds are then transferred to factory for processing. Maize cobs are husked in order to remove the surrounding leaves. Sorting of unwanted cobs can be performed at this stage.

Transfer in factory and husking: Ears/seeds are then transferred to factory for processing. Maize cobs are husked in order to remove the surrounding leaves. Sorting of unwanted cobs can be performed at this stage.

Shelling: For species such as maize, shelling is requested. By products are usually burned in order to produce energy.

Shelling: For species such as maize, shelling is requested. By products are usually burned in order to produce energy.

Maize cobs (Ploërmel, FR, 2025-08)

Maize field (Ploërmel, FR, 2025-08)

Maize field (Ploërmel, FR, 2025-08)

Drying grains of Zea mays, Hsipaw (Myanmar) (2018)

Maize field in a Chan village, Lashio (Myanmar) (2018)

Drying grains of Zea mays, Hsipaw (Myanmar) (2018)

Maize field in a Chan village, Lashio (Myanmar) (2018)

Maize field (Brittany, summer 2021)

In Nogaredo, Boimorto (Spain, 2018-07-20)

In Nogaredo, Boimorto (Spain, 2018-07-20)

In Nogaredo, Boimorto (Spain, 2018-07-20)

In Nogaredo, Boimorto (Spain, 2018-07-20)

In Nogaredo, Boimorto (Spain, 2018-06-10)

In Nogaredo, Boimorto (Spain, 2018-07-21)

In Nogaredo, Boimorto (Spain, 2018-07-20)

Consignment to be exported from Tenerife (Canary Islands, 2020)