Maize is undeniable one of the most important crops in the world. It is the cereal with the highest yield potential. Maize, scientifically known as Zea mays was first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago, and is now widely cultivated throughout the world.

A greater weight of maize is produced each year than any other grain in the world. It is most sensitive to drought when the flowers are ready for pollination. Maize used for silage is harvested while the plant is green and the fruit immature. Sweet corn is harvested in the “milk stage”, after pollination but before starch has formed, while Field maize is left in the field until very late in October to thoroughly dry the grain.

The importance of sufficient soil moisture is prominent in many parts of Africa, where periodic drought regularly causes maize crop failure and consequent famine with monstrous losses to the farmers. Although maize is grown mainly in wet & hot climates, it has been said to thrive in cold, hot, dry, or wet conditions, meaning that it is an extremely versatile crop.

MULTIPURPOSE USES OF MAIZE

AS FOOD AND BEVERAGES:

Maize has a great deal of uses. Its grain is known to be a rich source of starch, vitamins, proteins and minerals.

A hundred grams of fresh grain contains 361 calories of energy, 9.4 g protein; 4.3g fat, 74.4g carbohydrate, 1.8g fibre; 1.3g ash, 10.6 per cent water, 140mg vitamins, 9mg calcium, 290mg, phosphorus and 2.5mg iron. Maize has become a major staple food in many parts of the world, with its total production surpassing that of wheat or rice.

The six major types of maize are dent corn, flint corn, pod corn, popcorn, flour corn, and sweet corn. Sugar-rich varieties called sweet corn are usually grown for human consumption as kernels, while field corn varieties are used for animal feed, and as chemical in feedstock’s. Maize flour has a very mild flavour and is used for making breads and as a thickening agent in foods such as custards and jellies. Popcorn is kernels of certain maize that burst when heated, forming fluffy pieces that are eaten as a snack.

The starch extracted from maize grain is used in making confectionery and noodles. Corn syrup from maize contains high fructose and act as sweetener and retains moisture when added to certain foods. Edible oil is extracted from maize seeds, which is an all-purpose culinary oil.

INDUSTRIAL USES:

In addition to being consumed directly, maize is also used for industrial purposes like production of corn ethanol, animal feed, biofuels and other maize products, such as corn starch and corn syrup.

AS A LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY FEED:

Maize can be used as forage, feed for livestock and making silage after fermentation of corn stocks. Maize is used extensively as the main source of calories in animal feeding and feed formulation. Maize gives the highest conversion of dry substance to meat, milk and eggs compared to other cereal grains. Maize is a valuable feed grain, because it is among the highest in net energy content and lowest in protein and fibre content. Animals love maize and will readily eat it at sight.

PLANTING OPERATIONS IN MAIZE PRODDUTION

Principles and practices of maize cultivation can be grouped into the following major distinct processes. These are:

• Site selection
• land preparation
• seed selection
• Planting date, planting time and planting method
• Pest and disease control
• Integrated soil fertility management
• Fertilization application/ pesticide application
• Weed management
• Harvesting
• Maize storage practices

PROCEDURES IN MAIZE PRODUCTION

SITE SELECTION:

• Maize is the most dominant cereal crop over the earth because it adapts to an extensive range of climates.
• Maize needs sunshine and warmth immensely and most cultivars have little sensitivity to photo period.
• The perfect soil for maize is a deep, medium-textured, fertile soil with high water holding capacity.
• The soil must have a PH range of 5.5-8.0.
• Avoid damp/waterlogged areas.
• The best region for maize is those which receive an annual rainfall of 600-1000mm, though it is also successfully grown under irrigation after cold harmattan is over.

VARIETIES:

• The modern highly selected cultivars can be put into the following category: major (dent maize, flint maize, flour on soft maize) or minor groups (sweet corn, popcorn, pod corn, waxy maize).
• Most of the varieties in Nigeria belong to the dent and flint. However, the cultivation of popcorn and sweet maize is on the increase, mainly as a cash crop.

LAND PREPARARTION:

1. In most parts of Nigeria, maize is sown on flat ridges, old ridges are destroyed and new ones are made in the old furrow.
2. The land must be properly cleared and free from any debris or stubbles from previous crops before onset of rains.
3. Make sure to properly dispose all the debris to avoid carryover of pests and disease.
4. Till and harrow the soil, in this process, we manoeuvre the weeds and the soil, which helps increase the nutrient of the soil, and also improve the soil moisture content.

SELECTION OF SEEDS:

• Treat the seeds with appropriate insecticide and fungicide if needed.
• Choose disease resistant variety seeds.

METHODS OF PLANTING MAIZE:

There are various methods used to sow maize seeds:

• Hand sowing: is the process of casting a handfuls of your maize seed over the prepared soil. Usually manual harrowing is used to incorporate the seed into the soil.
• Jab planting: Jab planter is a hand tool used to conveniently plant seeds on open ground.
• Sowing machine: Is a machine that scatters seeds on land at the appropriate planting depth and spacing so that they grow adequately.

PLANTING TIME AND METHOD OF PLANTING:

• The best time to plant is determine by the duration the variety takes to mature. This is to prevent maturing during the rainy seasons which can affect the grade of the grain or seed and the cooking qualities. In dry regions the crop should be sown as soon as the rain is established.
• The recommended seed rate is 10-13kg/ha sown at 2.5-3.0cm deep at 75cm inter row and 25cm intra row spacing maintaining one plant per stand.
• The frequent growing of maize on the same land often leads to build-up of the parasitic striga wed population which may make further cultivation of the crop impossible. Hence, the practice of crop rotation is highly recommended.

STEP\GUILDLINES IN MAIZE CULTIVATION

• Prepare the soil using a hoe or a rototiller to the depth of 6-8 inches. Examine the PH of the soil if it’s below 6-6.5 (slightly acidic) you will have to correct the soil by using powdered lime.
• Spray the soil with a balanced inorganic fertilizer; such as10-10-10 fertilizers according to the manufacturer instructions. Corn plants usually needs plenty of nutrients to grow well.
• Plant two to three corn seeds per hole, cover the seeds with 1 inch of soil.
• Water around the base of the corn plants whenever the soil starts to dry out. It is important to supply the corn plants with moisture when no rainfall occurred

Planting time is the most critical factor that affects maize yield (if sown early it will mature in rains which will affect the quality of grains and when sown late it will result in poor yield. The two seasons or periods for successful maize farming in Nigeria are as follows:

EARLY SEASON

1. In the forest zone, planting date is between 15 March and 1 April, although planting could be done as soon as rainfall becomes steady.
2. In the derived savannah zone, plant as soon as the rainfall becomes steady, between first-thirtieth of April.
3. In the southern guinea savannah zone, planting could still be done as late as May and June depending on rainfall starts.

LATE SEASON

Late season maize farming is highly recommended only for areas where rainfall is likely to be adequate. Popcorn is best planted in the late season where proper drying could be easily affected for optimum popping expansion.   Planting should be done preferably between 1st-15^th of August.

INTEGRATED SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT

Nitrogen demand in maize is high, and this is often the limiting nutrient in maize production. Thus, maize should be adequately fertilized especially the hybrids to enable them show their fullest expression.

120kg of N, 60 kg P₂ O_{5 and} 60kg K₂O is the recommended dose of fertilizer per hectare, split application method is used at sowing and at 4 weeks after first application. Properly incorporate the fertilizer into the soil and cover, usually as with other cereals it is only nitrogen that is split applied while whole of phosphorus and calcium are applied basally.

NOTE: Fertilizer application should be in two split doses to ensure that nitrogen availability at every stage of growth of the maize crop. Nitrogen is a very mobile nutrient in the soil, they are different method of application such as ring application, side dressing, or band application.

SOIL MANAGEMENT FOR FULL-GROWN MAIZE PLANT

• It is crucial to return the previous year crop residues into the soil where grain is to be planted.
• It is advised to apply lots of farm yard manure in order to improve the soil nutrients, texture and structure.
• Maize do not require waterlogged sites; the sites and soil should be well drained.
• Maize requires adequate water supply to yield well.
• Rainfall requirement ranges from 600-1000 mm depending on the varieties planted.

PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL IN MAIZE FARMING

Maize in Nigeria is attacked by an array of pests and diseases that causes significant damages these pests include; army worms, leafhoppers, grasshopper, rodents, termites and stem borers. Pest are destructive insect or other animals that attack crops, foods, livestock etc.

PEST CONTROL METHODS:

There are 4 major methods of pest control in agriculture: these control methods are classified with respect to the size of the pest.

• Physical control methods.
• Chemical control methods.
• Cultural control methods.
• Biological control methods.
• Physical method of pest control: This is a natural pest control method; it is a non-chemical control method that involves physical detection of the pest presence and using different ways to evacuate them from the farm. This method of pest control is mostly used for macro pests like rodents.  However, the survival rate is very less as the nature maintains insect population.
• Chemical pest control methods: This is defined as any chemical substances that are used for insect extermination. Insecticide helps eliminate the insect in any life stage. This method is very effective and reliable to use, but might cause damages to crops, if not properly applied.
• Cultural method of pest control: These refers to manipulation of crop production system or cultural practices to reduce or eliminate pest population. Practices such as adjusted planting dates and crops rotations have been recognized at the local or farm level to avoid pest infestations.
• Biological control: is a method of controlling pest suchs as insects, mites, weeds and plant diseases using other organisms. It relies on predation, parasitism, herbivory, or other natural mechanisms, but typically also involves an active human management role.

Some of the recommended practices are:

• Removal of affected parts.
• Collection and destruction of insects.
• Drying of seeds.
• Tar coating of trees to protect from termites.
• Provision of barriers to prevent the entry of pests like green house / screen house, covering of pomegranate fruits with butter paper, etc.

MAJOR DISESASES OF MAIZE

1. EAR ROT DISEASE, also known as fusarium disease

SYMPTOMS:

The tip starts turning red and spreads down rotting the whole cob.

CONTROL METHODS

• Properly sanitize after harvesting and before sowing.
• Strictly maintain crop rotation practices after every 3 years with other crops
• Early sowing of maize result in the formation of cob before heavy rain starts, which can control this disease.
• Make good drainage facility in the field
• BLACK SMUT DISEASE (fungal disease)

SYMPTOMS:

The tassels become black and rot. The cob is filled with blackish powdery dusts in place of kernels.

CONTROL METHODS INCLUDES:

• Follow same procedures as that of EAR ROT DISEASE Control methods.
• Wrap up plants with black smut disease with polyethene bag without dropping on field, chop the stalk and burry it or burn it down.
• PYTHIUM STALK/ STEM ROT DISEASE (bacterial disease)

SYMPTOMS:

Blackening of stalk near/about the second node from soil surface, the stem rots, and stalk collapses. The stalk with water-soaked releases offensive smell.

CONTROL METHODS

• Control in the same way as mentioned in above diseases.
• This disease occurs after attacks from borer, hence; use Carbofuran (Furadan 3%) to control the borers.
• DOWNY MILDEW (fungal disease)

SYMPTOMS:

Leaves turn yellowish and streaks appear on the plant.

CONTROL METHODS:

• Properly sanitize the field after harvesting and before sowing.
• Maintain crop rotation practices every 3 years with other crops.
• Cultivate disease resistant variety.

SAFE USE AND HANDLING OF PESTICIDES

• Empty pesticide containers must be disposed properly by burying them after use.
• Follow instructions as stated on the label of the pesticide duly, while only trained personnel should apply at recommended rate.
• The personnel must always put on protective clothing during application of pesticide.

WEEDS AND WEEDS CONTROL

If weeding is not done at the appropriate time, weeds and plants will compete for nutrients, light, water and place, which obstructs the proper growth of plants and decreases yields.

Therefore, unnecessary plants (weeds) have to be removed in proper manner. This results for better production by well growth and development of plant.

METHODS OF WEED CONTROL INCLUDES:                    

1. Plough the maize field properly prior cultivation.
   1. At time of sowing, remove weeds totally and cover the maize seeds with soil, this should be done (20-25 days to sowing).
   1. Weeds like Cyperus should be uprooted together with the underground roots, and root galls should be buried or burned away from the field.
   1. If the field is ploughed in the dry season, the weeds will easily die due to direct sun light.

HARVESTING

• Maize crop is mature when the kernels reach dough stage.
• Time of harvesting depends on when the maize was planted (Extra early, early or late season).
• Harvesting starts after the heavy rainfall stops, when the husk becomes dry or dark brownish colour, when seeds are already dried in the cob of standing plant on the field, the maize should be harvested.
• Harvesting should be done on a dry or no rainfall day.
• At the right time to harvest,a black spot will be seen at the bottom (side attached to the cob) of seed. This black spot suggests it is ready for harvest (i.e. it is at its full maturation stage).
• Maize is generally harvested by hand in most parts of the country, but in large scale agriculture, it is usually harvested mechanically which also shells the cobs at the same time.

STORAGE OF MAIZE COBS

• Spray all harvested cobs with insecticides to prevent fields pests from getting in the store.
• Remove and dispose all rotten cobs, debris and any other contaminants.
• Pack the grains in sacks or jute sac, before then fumigate the bags with one tablet of phostoxin (to decontaminate the sac) filled the sac to the middle brim and sew the mouth tight.
• Store in a clean and well-ventilated area, placed wooden slabs on the floor and stack the maize bags on the slabs.