Maize (Corn)
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Botanical name
Zea mays
Origin
Mexico
Seed Rate
20 kg/ha for hybrids and 25 kg/ha. for varieties
Season
Kharif
Time of sowing
July-August, September-October, January-February
Land Preparation
First, plough the field once using a disc plough, then follow with two passes of cultivator ploughing. After spreading farmyard manure (FYM) or compost, continue ploughing until the soil achieves a fine tilth.
Seed Treatment
Utilize pelleted seeds treated with insecticides to combat stem borer infestation. Treat one kilogram of seeds by combining either Chlorpyriphos 20EC or Phosalone 35 EC at a rate of 4 millilitres plus 0.5 grams of gum in 20 millilitres of water. Alternatively, consider seed treatment with imidacloprid 70 WS at a dosage of 10 grams per kilogram of seeds.
Spacing
45 x 20 cm
Water Management
Maize crops are vulnerable to both drought stress and excessive moisture, so it's crucial to manage irrigation based on the plant's needs. Maintain optimal moisture levels, particularly during the critical phase between 45 to 65 days after sowing, to prevent significant yield losses.
Weed management
Administer the pre-emergence herbicide Atrazine 50 WP at a rate of 500 grams per hectare (mixed with 900 liters of water) as a soil surface spray three days after sowing. Subsequently, conduct one hand weeding session between 40 to 45 days after sowing.
Fertilizer dose
135:62.5:50 NPK kg/ha.
Apply one-quarter of the nitrogen dose, along with the full doses of phosphorus and potassium, as basal fertilizer before sowing. Divide the remaining nitrogen into two equal portions. Apply half of the total nitrogen (60 kg N/ha) as a top dressing at the knee-high stage, and apply the remaining nitrogen when the flag leaf emerges.
Harvesting
Maize is ready for harvesting even when the stacks and leaves are somewhat green but the husk cover has dried and turned brown.
Yield
20-25 qtl/acre
Pests
Maize Stem Borer, Army worm and Silk cutter
Diseases
Leaf Blight, Downy mildew
Disease and Pest management
Maize stem borer: Monocrotophos 36 WSC @275 ml/ha in 125 litres of water by starting spray 2-3 weeks after sowing. Army worm: Spray Carbaryl, 50 WP@ 250g in 125 litres of water.
Botanical name
Zea mays
Origin
Mexico
Seed Rate
20 kg/ha for hybrids and 25 kg/ha. for varieties
Season
Kharif