The effect of pre-treatment on the strength and dehulling properties of pigeonpea grain

Abstract

Abstract The effect of different pre-treatments, i.e. grain scarification, chemical treatment and hot milling, on the strength and dehulling properties of pigeonpea grain was studied by measurement of the forces required for removal of the seed coat from cotyledons and of cotyledons from each other. The dehulling index, dehulling time, product recovery and amount of intact pearled grain were determined after dehulling the pre-treated grain. The results revealed that a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in seed coat adhesion could be obtained by urea treated scarified grain when hot milled. This, in turn, increased the dehulling index for both the cultivars studied, with subsequent reduction in dehulling time, resulting in a high product recovery of about 81%, and an increased quantity of intact pearled grain of about 39%.