Let’s learn about Corn!
Types of Corns:
There are several types of maize, or corn, that are grown around the world,
each with their own unique characteristics and uses. Some of the main types of
corn include:
1. Sweet corn:
This type of corn is typically eaten fresh and is known for its sweet taste.
2. Field corn:
This type of corn is grown primarily for livestock feed, industrial uses (such
as ethanol production and high fructose corn syrup production), and as a source
of corn oil.
3. Popcorn: This
type of corn is grown specifically for use as popcorn and has a hard outer
shell that is able to withstand the high heat and pressure required for
popping.
4. Dent corn:
This type of corn is characterized by a "dent" on the top of each
kernel, caused by the starch in the kernel drying and shrinking faster on the
crown than on the base. Dent corn is used primarily for animal feed and as a
raw material for industrial use such as ethanol production and corn oil.
5. Flint corn:
This type of corn has a hard, flinty outer layer that protects the kernel from
damage. Flint corn is often used for making hominy and corn meal.
6. Waxy corn:
This type of corn has a high amylopectin content and it is used for making
adhesives and other industrial products.
7. Blue corn:
This type of corn has a unique blue color, it is used primarily for making corn
meal, tortillas and other traditional dishes.
These are just a few examples of the many different types of corn that
are grown around the world. Each type of corn has its own unique
characteristics and uses, and new types of corn are constantly being developed
through breeding and genetic engineering.
How to prepare soil for maze or corn.
To prepare soil for maize, or corn, you will need to ensure that it is
well-draining and has a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. You can test your soil's pH by
using a soil test kit, which can be purchased at most gardening stores. If your
soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH, and if it is too
alkaline, you can add sulphur to lower it.
You should also add organic matter to your soil, such as compost or
well-rotted manure, to improve its fertility. This will help to provide the
maize with the necessary nutrients for growth. Additionally, you should remove
any weeds or debris from the area where you plan to plant the maize.
It's also recommended to conduct soil test to check the nutrient levels,
particularly Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. If the soil is deficient in
any of these nutrients, you can add fertilizer to the soil prior to planting.
How to treat seed before planting Maze?
There are a few different ways to treat maize, or corn, seeds before
planting to improve their germination rate and protect them from pests and
diseases. Some common treatments include:
1. Soaking:
Soaking the seeds in water for 12-24 hours before planting can help to soften
the seed coat and promote germination.
2. Seed
treatment: treating the seed with fungicides or insecticides can protect the
seed from pests and diseases, and also can enhance the germination rate.
3. Drying:
Drying the seeds in a warm and dry place before planting can help to prevent
them from rotting in the ground.
4. Stratification:
This is a process of exposing the seed to low temperature for a certain period
of time to break seed dormancy.
5. Seed priming:
This is a method that involves soaking the seed in water along with other
chemical or biological agents to enhance the seed germination.
It's important to follow the instructions on the seed packet or the
fungicide/insecticide package carefully, as different treatments have different
application methods and timing.
Additionally, it's important to note that seed treatments are not always
necessary and it's also important to consider the environmental impact of using
chemical seed treatments.
After all the preparations, you can then till or plow the soil to a fine
tilth and it's ready for planting.
To grow maize, or corn, you will need to prepare a sunny spot in your
garden with well-draining soil. Plant the seeds about 1-2 inches deep and about
6-8 inches apart, in rows that are about 2-3 feet apart. Water the seeds
regularly and fertilize them as they grow.
Common diseases found in maize include:
-Southern leaf blight: It is caused by the fungus Helminthosporium
maydis and it appears as brown or black leaf spots that can spread to cover the
entire leaf. To prevent this disease, rotate crops, avoid overcrowding, and use
resistant varieties of corn.
-Common rust: It is caused by the fungus Puccinia sorghi and it appears
as orange or brown pustules on the leaves and stalks. To prevent this disease,
rotate crops, avoid overcrowding, and use resistant varieties of corn.
-Stewart's wilt: it is caused by the bacterium Pantoea stewartii and it
appears as wilting of the plant, and yellowing and browning of the leaves. To
prevent this disease, rotate crops, avoid overcrowding, and use resistant
varieties of corn.
Treatment for these diseases typically involves using fungicides and
bactericides. It's also important to practice good sanitation and crop rotation
to prevent the spread of disease.
