Analysis of maize ( Zea mays ) kernel density and volume using microcomputed tomography and single-kernel near-infrared spectroscopy.

Maize kernel density affects milling quality of the grain. Kernel density of bulk samples can be predicted by near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy, but no accurate method to measure individual kernel density has been reported. This study demonstrates that individual kernel density and volume are accurately measured using X-ray microcomputed tomography (μCT).