Abstract: The modified Gompertz equation was applied to fit a kinetic model for mold growth in corn stored at different temperatures. Further, a second-order model using the modified linear Arrhenius-Davey equation was established to describe the influence of temperature on the specific growth rate and lag phase of molds in corn. The model was validated by additional experimental data. The results showed that the model had a high coefficient of determination (R2), of 0.959 and 0.994 for specific growth rate and lag phase, respectively. The obtained bias factors of the model were 0.951 and 0.927, respectively, and its accuracy factors were less than 1.082. Furthermore, its mean square errors (MSEs) (0.009–0.027) were low. The current study proved that the Arrhenius-Davey model can better describe and predict the influence of storage temperature on the growth rate and lag phase of molds in corn.

Key words: corn, mold, growth kinetic model, validation