Shriveling in corn is a sign of what condition?

Shriveling in corn indicates overmaturity, which occurs when corn kernels lose moisture beyond the ideal levels that support their size and integrity. When corn reaches overmaturity, the kernels can become hard, shriveled, and may not be as plump or full as they should be. This condition often arises when corn remains on the plant for too long after it has reached its physiological maturity, causing the kernels to continue to dry out and lose volume or moisture, hence resulting in shriveling.

In the context of the other choices, undermaturity refers to corn that has not fully developed, which would not exhibit shriveling but rather be softer and less mature in appearance. Marketability relates to the desirability of the corn for sale but does not directly explain the physical state of being shriveled. Insect damage can lead to physical impairment of corn but typically presents with different symptoms like holes or areas of decay rather than general shriveling. Therefore, overmaturity is the condition that most accurately describes the phenomenon of shriveling in corn kernels.