ABSTRACT
A simple rapid test for objectively determining the degree of weather damage in wheat has been developed. The principle of the test is to determine the viscosity of a heat gelatinized mixture of wheatmeal and water by stirring. The power, in watts, drawn by the stirring motor is measured while the paddle rotates at a constant velocity. Differentiation between samples is observed as a high resistance to stirring in sound wheat and a low resistance in sprouted wheat. Extensive field testing showed the machines to be reliable, and robust enough for receival use. Operators found the new test easy to perform under silo conditions and they required little training before becoming adept at its use. Initial field results show excellent agreement with Falling Number assessments of wheat receivals. Faster and simpler than the Falling Number method, the new test appears to be suitable as a screening test for weather damage under grain receival conditions.
