What does a high incidence of split kernels suggest about peanut processing?

A high incidence of split kernels typically suggests issues during harvesting or drying. When peanuts are harvested too late or are inadequately dried, it can lead to the development of split kernels. This often occurs due to factors such as excess moisture in the pods or improper handling techniques that allow the nuts to become overly stressed, resulting in physical damage.

During the drying process, if the peanuts do not reach the appropriate moisture levels, the kernels may become more fragile and susceptible to splitting. Furthermore, harvesting operations that are not optimally timed can result in peanuts that have not matured properly, leading to split kernels by the time they reach processing facilities.

The other choices, while they may relate to peanut quality and processing, do not directly correlate with the specific issue of high split kernel incidence as effectively as harvesting or drying issues do. High moisture content could be a contributing factor to the problem but it is primarily the harvesting and drying practices that are the root causes. Inadequate pest control and improper grading techniques could affect peanut quality but are less directly related to the percentage of split kernels seen in the harvest.