Defoliation of maize plants, based on percent seed moisture, has advantageous outcomes including greater number of seeds per pound； increased volume or proportion of saleable seed per field and per female acre； decreased discard of seed due to commercially undesirable size or shape； lower moisture content of seed at harvest； earlier harvest date； less fuel and time expended in drying seed for storage； improved performance in laboratory tests for germination at cold temperatures； improved seed treatment efficacy； improved emergence under stress in field conditions； improved plantability in mechanical systems； more uniform stand； fewer runt plants and improved grain yield.
