Corn also known as maize is rich in carbohydrates, proteins and minerals. It is consumed as a starchy base in a variety of meals across the world.
There are several pests and diseases that cause a reduction in maize output. Diseases are downy mildew, leaf spots, root rot, leaf blight, anthracnose stalk rot and pests are grass hoppers, army worms, termites and stem borers. The diseases are caused by bacteria, fungi and virus and can prevented by cleaning fields after harvest, crop rotation, planting resistant varieties and controlling insect carriers. For pest control, spray with recommended chemicals, destroy termite hills in field.
Agronomic practices
Ensure applying 200kg of NPK per hectare at planting for fertile soils and 600kg for infertile soil in two phases both at planting and after 5 to 6 weeks , also control weeds to reduce nutrient competition and reduce pests and diseases infestation.
Additionally mound soil around the plant to cover exposed plant roots. Furthermore weed 2 weeks after planting and apply fertilizers before the second weeding that is 6-7 weeks.
Thirdly control pests and diseases through choosing a resistant variety, applying the recommended chemical however incase the farmer has no money, spray crops with detergent mixed water this is more effective in controlling army worm.
Conclusively clean up corn stalks after harvest and till them in soil to add organic matter to soil for improved production and higher yield.
