Maize (Corn)
Zea mays
About Maize (Corn)
Maize is the world's most produced grain by tonnage and a staple food for hundreds of millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, and parts of South America. It is used as food (maize flour, ugali, tortillas, posho), animal feed, and industrial feedstock (ethanol, starch). In Africa, maize is the most important cereal crop, providing 30-50% of calories in eastern and southern Africa. The crop is remarkably adaptable, growing from sea level to 3,000 m elevation and in rainfall zones from 400-2,500 mm. Major producers include the United States, China, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. Maize is a C4 plant with high photosynthetic efficiency, making it one of the most productive crops per unit of water and land.
Growing Conditions
Full sun — requires maximum light for optimal yield. Does not tolerate shade.
500-800 mm per crop. Critical water demand period is tasseling through early grain fill (VT-R2). Drought at silking causes severe yield loss.
Deep, well-drained loam or sandy loam. pH 5.5-7.0. High organic matter beneficial. Avoid waterlogged soils.
Optimal 25-33°C. Growth stops below 10°C. Pollination fails above 38°C.
Moderate. High humidity during grain fill promotes ear rots and mycotoxin contamination.
Warm season — 80-140 days depending on variety. Plant after soil temperatures exceed 12°C.
Step-by-Step Growing Tips
Plant at 75 × 25 cm spacing for optimal plant population (53,000 plants/ha)
Apply nitrogen in 2 splits: at planting and at knee height (V6)
Control weeds early — maize is most sensitive to competition in first 6 weeks
Scout for fall armyworm weekly from emergence through tasseling
Harvest when grain moisture is below 20% for safe storage
Store grain at <13% moisture to prevent aflatoxin and weevil damage
Disease Risks to Watch
All diseases →Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) is caused by co-infection of Maize chlorotic mottle virus and Sugarcane mosaic virus. Symptoms include chlorotic mottling, leaf necrosis from the edges inward, premature plant death, and empty ears. There is no cure. Use certified MLN-free seed, control thrips and aphid vectors, practice crop rotation, and plant tolerant varieties.
Maize streak virus (MSV) causes narrow, broken yellow streaks along leaf veins in maize. Transmitted by Cicadulina leafhoppers across Africa. Early infection causes severe stunting and barren ears. Use MSV-resistant varieties, control leafhoppers, avoid late planting, and rogue infected plants early to reduce virus source.
Maize gray leaf spot (Cercospora zeae-maydis) causes rectangular gray-tan lesions bounded by leaf veins on maize. It thrives in humid conditions with heavy dew. Manage with resistant hybrids, crop rotation, tillage to bury residue, and fungicide applications of azoxystrobin or propiconazole at tasseling if lesions exceed 5% of leaf area.
Downy mildew produces angular yellow patches on upper leaf surfaces with grayish-purple fuzzy growth underneath. Caused by Peronospora or Plasmopara oomycetes, it thrives in cool wet weather. Manage with resistant varieties, preventive mancozeb or copper sprays, good air circulation, and avoiding overhead irrigation. It requires free water to infect — keep leaves dry.
Companion Planting
✅ Good Companions
❌ Avoid Nearby
Growing Zones
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant Maize (Corn)?
Warm season — 80-140 days depending on variety. Plant after soil temperatures exceed 12°C.
What soil does Maize (Corn) need?
Deep, well-drained loam or sandy loam. pH 5.5-7.0. High organic matter beneficial. Avoid waterlogged soils.
How much water does Maize (Corn) need?
500-800 mm per crop. Critical water demand period is tasseling through early grain fill (VT-R2). Drought at silking causes severe yield loss.
What are the most common diseases affecting Maize (Corn)?
The most common diseases are: maize lethal necrosis, maize streak virus, maize gray leaf spot, downy mildew. Monitor regularly and practice crop rotation.
What plants grow well with Maize (Corn)?
Good companions include: bean, squash, groundnut. Avoid planting near tomato.
Related Crops — Poaceae
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