STANDING in the field, unhusked corn is undamaged and can last almost indefinitely in that state with-out diminishing its food value. Deterioration begins with the mechanical process of harvesting, and practically every subsequent operation in drying, transporting, and handling further decreases the quality of the grain. The rate of deterioration is dependent on the initial injury sustained during such mechanical processes, particularly the harvesting operation. During harvesting, the kernels are subjected to damaging impact and compressive forces that result in breaches of the seed coat or cracks in the pericarp of the kernel.