Shriveling in corn is an indication of what?

Shriveling in corn is primarily an indication of over maturity. When corn reaches a stage of over maturity, the kernels lose moisture, which leads to the shriveling effect. This is typically seen when the kernels have dried out excessively on the cob, beyond the ideal moisture content for harvesting. In this condition, the internal structures of the kernels begin to collapse, manifesting as a shriveled appearance.

In the case of underripe corn, the kernels would generally appear plump and moist, indicating that they have not yet reached maturity. Inadequate watering may lead to other signs of stress in the plant, such as yellowing or stunted growth, rather than shriveling alone. Insect damage can cause various forms of trauma to the kernels, but it would not specifically result in a uniform shriveling effect that's characteristic of over maturity. Thus, the association of corn shriveling with over maturity is a crucial aspect of understanding crop harvest conditions.