ABSTRACT
A grain is a living biological product that germinates as well as respires. †e respiration process in the grain is externally manifested by the decrease in dry weight, utilization of oxygen, evolution of carbon dioxide, and release of heat. †e rate of respiration is dependent upon moisture content and temperature of the grain. †e rate of respiration of paddy increases sharply (at 25°C) from 14% to 15% moisture content, which may be called the critical point. On the other hand, the rate of respiration increases with the increase of temperature up to 40°C. Above this temperature, the viability of the grain as well as the rate of respiration decreases signi‡cantly.
