Losses of Canola Seeds: A Function of Thermal Properties of Unbroken Pods

The present study investigated the thermal properties of canola pods (thermal conductivity, specific heat, and thermal diffusivity), canola losses (natural losses, platform losses, and total combine harvester losses), and unbroken pods in three common canola varieties cultivated in the North of Iran (Hyola 420, Hyola 401, and Hyola 50) in three times of pre-harvest, harvest, and post-harvest. Furthermore, the relation between the thermal properties of canola pods and the amounts of losses during harvest was studied. Thermal conductivity coefficient, specific heat, and thermal diffusivity were determined by line heat source, mixture method, and calculation, respectively. Seed losses were calculated, using a built grain collector. The results revealed that adjustments, variety, and sampling time had significant effects on thermal conductivity coefficient and specific heat of canola varieties at the probability level of 1%. The effect of the interaction between variety and time on conductivity coefficient, specific heat, and thermal diffusivity was considerable at the probability levels of 1% and 5%, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of canola varieties and time of harvesting on natural losses, total combine harvester losses, as well as unbroken pods were substantial at 1% probability. In addition, a notable relation was observed between thermal conductivity coefficient and platform losses at 5% and unbroken pods at 1%. However, unbroken pods indicated a substantial relation with specific heat and thermal diffusivity at 1%.