In summary, any factor that causes a reduction in
the strength of kernels, and the resultant ability of
kernels to withstand the forces imparted during
hulling and milling, will impact milling quality. These
factors include those incurred during production, such
as fungal diseases and insects, and as recently docu
mented, high nighttime air temperatures during
kernel filling. Additionally, the MC at which rice is
harvested can have a dramatic impact on milling
quality, with HRY reductions occurring by harvesting
at greater MCs (reductions due to increasing num
bers of immature kernels) or lesser MCs (reductions
due to moisture adsorption fissuring) than optimal