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 →La necrosis letal del maíz (NLM) es causada por la coinfección del Virus del moteado clorótico del maíz y el Virus del mosaico de la caña de azúcar. Los síntomas incluyen moteado clorótico, necrosis foliar desde los bordes hacia adentro, muerte prematura de la planta y mazorcas vacías. No hay cura. Use semilla certificada libre de NLM, controle vectores de trips y áfidos, practique rotación de cultivos y siembre variedades tolerantes.
El virus del rayado del maíz (MSV) causa estrías amarillas estrechas y quebradas a lo largo de las venas foliares en maíz. Transmitido por chicharritas Cicadulina en toda África. La infección temprana causa enanismo severo y mazorcas estériles. Use variedades resistentes al MSV, controle chicharritas, evite la siembra tardía y arranque plantas infectadas temprano para reducir la fuente de virus.
La mancha gris de la hoja del maíz (Cercospora zeae-maydis) causa lesiones rectangulares gris-tostado delimitadas por las venas foliares en maíz. Prospera en condiciones húmedas con rocío abundante. Maneje con híbridos resistentes, rotación de cultivos, labranza para enterrar residuos y aplicaciones de fungicida con azoxistrobina o propiconazol en la floración si las lesiones exceden 5% del área foliar.
El mildiu produce parches amarillos angulares en la superficie superior de las hojas con crecimiento difuso gris-purpúreo debajo. Causado por oomicetos Peronospora o Plasmopara, prospera en clima fresco y húmedo. Maneje con variedades resistentes, aspersiones preventivas de mancozeb o cobre, buena circulación de aire y evitando riego por aspersión. Requiere agua libre para infectar — mantenga las hojas secas.
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
Growing Maize (Corn)? Protect It.
CuraPlant scans your crops for diseases and pests in seconds — and gives you a treatment plan tailored to your region and season.