NAME: OJEYINKA AL-AMEEN

CLASS: SS1 (SCIENCE)

SUBJECT: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
TEACHER: MRS. OKWULEHIE

MAIZE
Good morning everyone.
My name is Ojeyinka Al-Ameen, am a member of the group which
represents Cereals.
A cereal is any grass cultivated for the edible components of its grain,
composed of the endosperm, germ, and bran. The term may also refer to the
resulting grain itself. Examples of cereals are Rice, Wheat, Maize, Sorghum,
Millet, e.t.c. My colleagues and I will be specializing on Rice, Maize and Millet. I
will be talking to you about Maize. I hope you all will have a wonderful time for
the few minutes I have to spend with you here.
Maize, also known as CORN is a cereal grain first domesticated by
indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago. The leafy stalk of
the plant produces pollen inflorescences and separate ovuliferous inflorescences
called ears that yield kernels or seeds, which are fruits.
Maize has become a staple food in many parts of the world with the total
production of maize surpassing that of wheat or rice. However, little of this maize
is consumed directly by humans. Most is used for corn ethanol, animal feed and
other maize products, such as corn starch and corn syrup. The botanical name is
called Zea mays. There is hardly anyone who has not tasted Maize.
 An illustration showing male and female maize flowers

A well labeled diagram of a maize plant and

cob

When preparing the land for maize cultivation, an ox plough or disc plough is
used, depending on the condition of the soil. Dig once or twice, to a depth of at
least 20cm during the dry season. At the start of rains, harrow the soil. Avoid
digging or harrowing the soil when it is too wet.

There are different varieties of Maize, which are of different uses. They are:

 Dent corn, which are known for their high soft starch content. It received its
name because of the small indentation at the crown of each kernel on a ripe ear
of corn.
 A Dent corn

 Flint corn, which are known for their hard outer layer to protect the soft
endosperm. It is likened to being hard as flint; hence the name.

Flint corns in display

 Pod corn, which are known for their mutation that form leaves around
each kernel. They are also called wild maize
 a pod corn

Besides sunny weather, maize requires a rich, moist soil. In addition, before
planting seeds, make sure that the soil temperature ranges between 60oF to 65oF,
otherwise, corn seeds will not germinate. In colder countries, cover the soil with
black plastics beforehand, to help warm the soil more quickly.

The period from silking to physiological maturity in Maize is between 50 to 55

days.

Some pests of maize are Maize leafhoppers,  armyworm, oriental corn borer,

wireworm, aphid, pink borer, black cutworm, seedcorn maggot, and several species of
birds. Some diseases of Maize are Anthracnose Leaf Blight, Anthracnose Stalk Rot,
Common rust, Common smut, Eye spot, Gray leaf spot, e.t.c. When cultivated, Maize
can be used to produce kokoro, corn flakes, tuwo, e.t.c. Corn can either be boiled or
roasted. A boiled or roasted corn can be eaten with coconut, pear (ube) and beans, as it
produces a sensational taste, which we all love

Some fun facts about maize are:

 Corn is called maize by most countries, this comes from the Spanish word
'maiz'.
 Corn is a cereal crop that is part of the grass family.
 An ear or cob of corn is actually part of the flower and an individual kernel
is a seed.
 On average an ear of corn has 800 kernels in 16 rows.
Maize has several health benefits, which are:
 Reduces the risk of Anemia. Corn is rich is in Vitamin B12, folic acid and
iron which helps in the production of red blood cells in the body.
 Energy Enhancer.
 Miracle for those underweight.
 Lowers Blood Sugar & Cholesterol Level.
 HeSSlpful during Pregnancy.
 Preserve Healthy Skin.
 It serves  as a good source of antioxidant carotenoids, such as lutein and
zeaxanthin, yellow corn may promote eye health. It's also a rich source of many
vitamins and minerals.

Maize is said to be one of God’s best miracle. By planting one or two seeds per hole,
the end result will bring over thousands of seeds. A Maize cob also portrays the adage
which says ,“ United we stand, Divided we fall”.

“United we stand, Divided we fall”.

So far we have talked about the history of maize, how the land for it’s cultivation is
prepared, it’s varieties, it’s pests an diseases, it’s uses and health benefits. I hope you
all had a wonderful time. My name is Al-ameen Ojeyinka, and remember, “Eat maize,
live maize”. Thank you very much. Bye….