VARIETIES OF MAIZE 



169 



242. Dent Maize is that t}^pe in which the split grain shows 

 the embr}'o, the glossy endosperm on each side, and the white 

 endosperm extending to the top. The grain is indented on the 

 top, evidently because the soft endosperm shrinks in the central 

 portion as the grain ripens, while the denser endosperm holds 

 the sides in a straight line. The relative position and amounts of 

 the soft and dense endosperm cause differences in the character 

 and extent of indentation, varying from a 

 ragged dent or projecting flap to a mere 

 dimple or circular depression. Occasionally 

 the grains toward the tip of the ear do not 

 indent, although retaining their dent structure. 

 While there is a wide variation due to cli- 

 mate, season, soil and variety (210), the plant 

 usually varies in height from 

 eight to t^velve feet, generally 

 bears but one ear and is not 

 given to suckering unless thinly 

 planted. This t}-pe is charac- 

 terized for its deep grains, rather 

 large diameter of ears and large 

 number of rows, as high as forty- 

 eight rows having been reported 

 for individual ears. Variet}'' dif- 

 ferences range from eight to 

 twenty-four rows, sixteen to 

 twenty being the most common. 

 Ears var}^ in length from five to 

 thirteen inches, and in diameter 

 from one and one-half to two 

 and one-half inches. A good sized ear is eight to nine inches 

 long and from six and one-half to seven inches in circumference 

 at two-fifths its length from the butt. Ten inches is rather long 

 for a dent ear, while seven inches is a good length for smaller 



Dent maize : ear one-third natural size 

 grain about natural size. 



