Author : Dela Cruz, Joselito V.

Summary : The study was conducted to determine the effect of harvest conditions of palay based on the moisture content of the grains on the performance characteristics of six rice threshers and on its threshing quality. The criteria used in the evaluation of the performance of the different threshers were the threshed components such as threshed, semi-threshed and unthreshed grains and grain losses expresses as percentage by weight of the total grains in the sample. As regards the threshing quality of palay, purity, undamaged grain yield and percentage damaged kernels of the threshed grain were considered. The undamaged grain yield of each thresher was compared to the control undamaged grain in terms of percentage. Results of the study indicated favorable gains on threshing palay at moisture levels of 18 to 23 per cent, wet basis. Higher threshing efficiency, threshed and undamaged grain recovery and percentage purity were obtained at the moisture conditions especially from peg-tooth type threshing cylinder (both methods of feeding) as well as the wire loop, hold-on type thresher.