Origin Of Maize
Corn (Zea mays), also called Indian corn or maize, is a cereal plant of the grass family (Poaceae). Corn originated in the Americas; the native people in Mexico were the first to grow corn about 10,000 years ago. It is one of the most widely distributed food crops.
The European colonists learned how to grow corn from the native Americans. Christopher Columbus and other explorers introduced corn to Europe; this has led to the widespread cultivation of the crop in the world, in as much as it can grow there.
It is an annual plant with a tall and solid stem. White and yellow corn are the most popular varieties of corn. Other varieties with red, pink, blue, and black kernels, usually banded, spotted, or stripped, exist. Each ear is enclosed by modified leaves called shucks or husks.
Corn is considered a major food in many parts of the world, even though its nutritional value is low relative to other cereals. It can be boiled or roasted; it is also used for popcorn, confections, and various manufactured cereal preparations. It is used in the production of ethanol.
Many parts of the corn plant are used in industry like the stalks are made into paper and wallboard, husks are used as filling material, etc.
Nutrient Composition Of Maize
The nutrition facts for 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of boiled yellow corn are:
- Calories: 96
- Water: 73%
- Protein: 3.4 grams
- Carbs: 21 grams
- Sugar: 4.5 grams
- Fiber: 2.4 grams
- Fat: 1.5 grams
The main nutrient in corn is carbohydrates with a fair amount of fiber. Its protein amount is very low.
Preferred Botanical Name: Zea Mays
Preferred Common Name: Corn, Maize
Local Common Name:
- Ibibio: Abukpa
- Yoruba: Agbado
Medicinal Properties And Uses Of Maize
- It helps to prevent anemia.
- It is healthy for the eyes.
- Eating corn may reduce the risk of cancer conditions like lung and colon cancer.
- Eating corn helps bowel movement because it contains fiber.
- Corn helps lower cholesterol levels.
- Polyphenols compound in corn protects against type-2 diabetes.
- It is rich in manganese, a mineral that contributes to bodily functions like fat and carbohydrates metabolism and regulating blood sugar levels.
- Applying corn oil to the hair will improve blood circulation and strengthen the hair.
- Corns contain high amounts of carbohydrates and are therefore high in calories; hence, they make a good choice for an adding weight diet.
How To Grow
Below is information on how to grow Maize
Yield Information
Maturity of maize occurs within 3 to 4 months of planting. Maize can either be harvested early or late. Early harvesting is usually by May, and late harvest is by October. A maize plant will produce between two to four ears of corn if properly cared for.
The plant’s productivity will depend on the care given to the crop. Late maturing varieties produce more than the early maturing ones.
Nursery And Transplant Requirements Of Maize
Starting corn seeds indoors is not recommended. It’s best to start them directly in the garden so that their roots aren’t disturbed due to transplanting. The spacing requirement for planting maize is 1.5 to 2 inches deep, 4 to 6 inches apart, and 30 to 36 inches apart.
If the soil is not adequate for planting, you should add compost and organic manure at planting time; corn is meant to grow rapidly. Water well at planting time.
Soil And Sun Requirements Of Maize
The soil requirements for maize are moist, fertile, more than one-meter deep soil, with good water holding capacity. Sandy clay (loams), loamy and silty clay soils are suitable soil types for growing maize. Corns do not thrive in compact clays and sands. Soil pH is between 5.8 and 6.8.
You can add organic matter such as compost, leaves, and clippings to the soil to improve its overall quality and drainage, especially for heavy clay soil. Corn requires full sunlight for at least six hours daily.
Watering Requirements
Maize requires about 450 mm to 600 mm of water each season. The soil reserves moisture for the plant, and for each millimeter of water consumed, about 15 kg of grain is produced. A matured plant will consume about 250 liters of water.
Planting And Spacing Requirements
The spacing requirement for planting seeds is 1.5 to 2 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. For sufficient pollination, plan your plot right. Instead of planting two long rows of corn, plant a block of corn at least four rows deep. This ensures that the corn, which is pollinated by wind, has a greater chance of producing viable ears.
Harvesting Method
Harvesting of maize occurs 20 days after the silk first appears. When the silk turns brown, the corn can be harvested. A stalk should yield at least one ear near the top or more if the planting conditions are favorable to the plant. To harvest, remove the ears from the stalk.
Farmers who plant the late matured varieties will harvest, pile them and later remove the ears. The stalks are not a waste, as they can be used as animal feed or biofuel.
Storage
Keeping fresh corn from drying out is vital. Raw corn on the cob will usually keep well for about 1 to 3 days in the refrigerator. Wrap the ears tightly in a plastic bag and put them in the fridge. Properly dried corn seeds can last for months until the new planting season.
Diseases And Pests Of Maize
The diseases and pest affecting maize plants are:
Cercospora Leaf Spot
Cercospora leaf spot is a fungal disease. Symptoms include brown spots with yellow rings on leaves and lesions on leaves. It can be controlled by planting resistant varieties.
Charcoal Rot
Caused by fungi and leaves becoming rotten, the plant may break. It is controlled by practicing crop rotation.
Goss Bacterial Blight
Symptoms include wilted plants and irregular margins on leaf surfaces. Bacteria cause it. It can be controlled by practicing crop rotation and removing debris immediately after harvest.
Maize Dwarf Mosaic
Chlorotic spots on leaves develop into mosaic patterns, and ear formation and development cease. It is a viral disease and can be controlled by planting a highly resistant variety.
Aphids
Aphids cause heavy infestation leading to stunted growth, curled leaves, and growth of sooty mold. It can be controlled by handpicking and killing, spraying a jet of water.
Conclusion
Corn, or maize, is an impressive source of nourishment with countless advantages. Packed with vital nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it not only supports gut health but also bolsters the immune system. Being a low-fat, cholesterol-free grain, maize is a great ally in maintaining a healthy heart by assisting in regulating blood pressure. Moreover, its abundant supply of antioxidants serves as a protective shield for our cells and may even lower the risk of chronic diseases.
As one of the world’s foremost sources of complex carbohydrates, maize is an invaluable energy source. Moreover, its significance in global food security cannot be overstated as it is a staple crop for countless communities. But its contributions don’t stop there; maize-derived products are also vital components in multiple industries such as food, animal feed, and even biofuel production.