MADROÑO JERIC J.

BSA 3-1

YELLOW CORN (Zea mays)

Characteristics:

Corn, (Zea mays), also called Indian corn or maize, cereal plant of the grass family (Poaceae)
and its edible grain. The domesticated crop originated in the Americas and is one of the most widely
distributed of the world’s food crops. Corn is used as livestock feed, as human food, as biofuel, and as
raw material in industry. In the United States the colourful variegated strains known as Indian corn are
traditionally used in autumn harvest decorations.

According to Department of Agriculture,

Corn is the second most important crop in the Philippines. About 14 million Filipinos prefer white
corn as their main staple and yellow corn accounts for about 50% of livestock mixed feeds. Some
600,000 farm households depend on corn as a major source of livelihood, in addition to transport
services, traders, processors and agricultural input suppliers who directly benefit from corn production,
processing, marketing and distribution.

Corn is also processed into high value products, such as cornstarch, corn syrups, corn oil, gluten and
snack foods.

Overall strategy is to fast track the expansion of hybrid corn, cassava and other feed crops production
to achieve food and feed self-sufficiency, enhance the competitiveness of the domestic livestock and
poultry sectors through cheaper feed inputs as well as generate jobs in rural communities.

According to CIMMYT-Philippines

Maize is second to rice as the most important crop in the Philippines, with one-third of Filipino farmers,
or 1.8 million, depending on maize as their major source of livelihood. White maize is the most
important substitute staple in periods of rice shortage, especially for people in rural areas. Yellow maize
is the primary source of feed for the Philippines’ animal industry, and is being increasingly used by the
manufacturing sector. Maize production in the Philippines increased at an annual rate of 1.7% over a
20-year period (1980-2000) (Table 8, Annex 1). After production peaked in 1990 at 4.9 million metric
tons, a sharp decline was posted in 1998 when the El Niño phenomenon affected the region. Total area
planted to maize was also highest in 1990, at 3.8 million hectares, but was observed to be on the
decline at 1.9% per year from 1985 to 2001 (Gonzales and Lapiña, 2003). These long-term figures
reflect a sharper decline in white maize area in contrast to that planted to yellow maize. Further, while
average yields for white maize are consistently low, yellow maize yields increased by an annual rate of
4.9% over a 17-year period beginning in 1985 (Gonzales and Lapiña, 2003). The adoption of improved
technology for yellow maize production has resulted in significant yield increases. Yellow maize
accounted for 23% of total maize production in 1985, and for 58% by 2001. It should be noted,
however, that the national average yield of 1.82 tons per hectare for white and yellow maize (in 2001) is
low when compared to maize yields in other Asian countries (Gonzales and Lapiña, 2003). Most
common in upland areas, maize production peaks from July to September; the lean months are from
January to June. The upland regions of Mindanao have the most area planted to maize, and the
highest production in the Philippines. Maize is also grown in the rainfed lowlands, where it is planted
during the dry season after the rice crop has been harvested. The production of maize after rice
increases the productivity of irrigation systems during the dry season, while supplying needed grain
during an otherwise lean period. Integrating livestock into the system provides high value products and
increases the income of maize farmers with small landholdings (FSSRI, 2000; Eusebio and Labios,
2001).

DENT CORN/ FIELD CORN VARIETY

(Yellow Corn)

Characteristics:

Dent corn is characterized by a depression in the crown of the kernel caused by unequal drying
of the hard and soft starch making up the kernel.

Economic uses:

• Corn is also processed into a multitude of food and industrial products including starch,
sweeteners, corn oil, beverage and industrial alcohol, and fuel ethanol

• Most of the crop is used as the main energy ingredient in livestock feed.

• Industrial uses

CORN CULTURAL MANAGEMENT

 Prepare the land thoroughly to have a good seedbed. It will result to better seed
germination, control rapid growth of weeds and fast root development of the plants. It will also
give a good water retention in the soil that is very important in the growing period of the corn.
 Plow the field 12-16 days before the intended planting. The first harrowing should be done 7
days after plowing. The second harrowing is 7 days after the first harrowing and 2 days before
the planting schedule.
 Make furrows on the field. First application of fertilizer is during the 2nd harrowing 2 days before
planting. Lay-out the furrows at the distance of 75 centimeters and deepness of 8 centimeters in
regular weather condition. But during dry season, the recommended deepness should be 10
centimeters.
 Apply basal application of fertilizer after furrowing and before planting. Used 30% of the total
NPK quantity, 70% will serve as side dressing on separate application schedule. If using organic
fertilizer (manure or compost), apply 4 bags and 2 bags of complete commercial fertilizer (14-
14-14) during the planting in one hectare.
 Place the seeds in furrows at the rate of one seed every 25 centimeters after the fertilizer has
been covered. Be sure to cover the seeds with 5 centimeters of soil during the wet season and
8 centimeters during the dry season. After planting, press the soil gently for the roots of the
seeds in contact with the soil. Water the furrows so that the seeds can germinate quickly if the
weather is dry.
 Weeds is one of the problems during the period of plant growth. If not given much attention to
be out in the field, the yield will reduce enormously. That is the reason why it is a must that the
field should be repeatedly plowed and harrowed to kill all germinating weed seeds before doing
the planting.
 In the event emergence of weeds left uncultivated because of the wider area to be monitored
and control, you must apply herbicides to assist you aside from hand and mechanical weeding
that you regularly do. Spray the field once in 2 days after planting. While spraying, avoid the
plants to be in contact with the herbicides.

 Side dress the plant with fertilizer 70% of nitrogen requirement 30 days after the emergence of
the seed or the height of the plant is at knee level. The 30% nutrient requirement will be applied
before planting.

 If you have the option to use organic fertilizer from animal manure and compost, apply 3 bags in
addition to 2 bags urea fertilizer (46-0-0) in a narrow band of 5 cm from the plant base. To avoid
stress to the growing plants, keep away fertilizer to direct contact with the plants. Cover the
fertilizer with soil by digging a hole 10 cm deep where the fertilizer has to be placed and do
slight cultivation or hilling up the plants.

 Hilling up is one way of preventing the growth of weeds near the plants especially those that
cannot be reach by fungicides.

 Monitor the condition of the plants. If there are population of pests especially corn borer, apply
granular insecticide directly to the plant whorl or you can use the emulsified concentrate
solution. Spray it in the plant whorl including the stem.

 If the plant has disease, use fungicides to control its spread. Follow manufacturer’s instruction to
the rate of its application.

 There are varieties that reach full maturity 116 days after emergence of seeds. The moisture
contents of the seeds should be 40%. Harvest anytime at your convenience.

 If harvested 120 days after planting, the moisture content should be 28%. Dry the corn further to
reach 18% moisture for a better shelling of seeds. Sundry it from the heat of the sun. Shell and
redry to 14% after shelling. It can be stored longer before marketing. While in storage, place the
seeds in a cool and dry environment. The place should be free from pests and rats.
Areas suited for planting or raising

Corn is a warm-season annual that is best planted after the soil temperature reaches 60°F (16°C),
usually two or three weeks after the last frost in spring. Corn planted in cold, wet soil is unlikely to
germinate.

• Corn grows best in air temperatures from 60° to 95°F (16-35°C).

• Corn can take from 60 to 100 days to reach harvest depending upon variety and the amount of heat
during the growing season.

a. Area for planting

Plant corn in full sun. Corn grows best in loose, well-worked, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8 to
6.8. Add aged compost to the planting area before planting. Add aged compost to the planting area the
autumn before planting.

b. Planting time

Corn is a tender, warm-season annual that is best planted after the soil temperature reaches 60°F
(16°C), usually 2 or 3 weeks after the last frost in spring. Corn requires 60 to 100 frost-free days to
reach harvest depending upon variety and the amount of heat during the growing season. Corn grows
best in air temperatures from 60° to 95°F ((16-35°C). Corn planted in cold, wet soil is unlikely to
germinate. Corn seed germinates in 10 to 14 days at 75°F (24°C), but the rate of germination may
reach only 75 percent. Start corn indoors 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost in spring for transplanting 2
to 3 weeks after the last frost. If your season is long enough, plant successive crops every two to three
weeks.

The Corn Sector in the Philippines

Yellow corn is a major component of animal feeds and is the preferred grain by livestock producers.
Previous studies conducted show that the biggest regional deficit in corn production is within Batangas,
one of the major livestock food-producing regions south of Manila. The livestock industry in Batangas
requires a reliable supply of high quality feed. Due to the regional deficit, many feed mills in the region
get their corn from other regions within the Philippines and some also rely on imported corn to ensure a
steady supply and uniform quality. The Mindanao region, has a surplus of yellow corn production -
more than 300,000 MT as of 2009 1 . While 50% of production goes to the feed mills in Visayas and
Luzon, there is an additional opportunity for areas of Mindanao to supply yellow corn directly to feed
mills in Batangas. Within the Mindanao region, Zamboanga Peninsula is ranked 11th in national
production of corn (as of 2013). While the exact number of farmers engaged in corn production on the
peninsula is not clear, yellow corn yields on Zamboanga Peninsula are low, at less than 2 MT/ha 2 .
Promisingly, the production of yellow corn in Zamboanga del Norte has increased by 119% between
2013 and 2016. Zamboanga del Norte in particular is classified as one of the poorest regions in the
country. While the incidence of poverty throughout the Philippines has declined in recent years, the
incidence of poverty in Zamboanga Peninsula remains high. Zamboanga Peninsula has the 4th lowest
average income per family in the country 3 and a poverty incidence of 30.9%. While there are many
contributing factors to poverty in the region, reliance on subsistence agriculture is considered one.
Linking smallholder farmers to cash crop markets, particularly yellow corn which has a higher net return
than white corn per hectare, could contribute to increased incomes and help to alleviate poverty.

Annual production

Corn production in MY 19/20 will likely increase by 200,000 tons, reaching 8.1 million tons due
to high prices. In 2018, the Philippines produced 7.8 million tons of corn, down two percent from 7.9
million tons in 2017, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Area harvested
declined 6.5 percent to 2.5 million hectares from 2.6 million hectares in 2017, while yields marginally
improved to 3.09 tons per hectare from 3.07 tons per hectare. Traditionally, the July to September crop
is the main corn crop but in 2018, the top producing period was the first quarter (January to March).
Yellow corn accounts for 70-75 percent of total corn output. The major corn producing areas in 2018
include the Cagayan Valley, Northern Mindanao, and Central Mindanao. Corn production in MY 18/19
was pared down 300,000 tons to 7.9 million tons and will decline from the previous year’s level due to
typhoon losses, particularly from Typhoon Mangkhut. Area harvested was also revised downwards to
2.5 million hectares and will decline from the MY 17/18 level.

Prices

Current price of the Corn in the Philippines

According to Philippine Statistics Authority

Latest Farmgate Prices of Yellow and White Corn grains

Weekly Farmgate, Wholesale and Retail Prices of Corn in the Philippines

(First Week of September 2020 to Fourth Week of October 2020)

(In PhP per kilogram)

Corngrain, Yellow
Farmgate Prices Wholesale Prices Retail Prices
Month/Week % Change % Change % Change
2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019
Annual Weekly Annual Weekly Annual Weekly
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
Sep Wk 1 12.18 12.88 -5.52 -4.57 21.22 21.91 -3.16 -2.39 24.99 26.21 -4.64 -0.12
Wk 2 11.87 12.96 -8.42 -2.51 21.16 21.93 -3.49 -0.28 24.96 26.19 -4.67 -0.12
Wk 3 11.74 12.81 -8.33 -1.09 21.28 21.86 -2.64 0.56 25.08 26.22 -4.34 0.47
Wk 4 11.69 12.40 -5.68 -0.41 21.20 18.80 12.78 -0.37 25.02 24.43 2.43 -0.24
Oct Wk 1 11.85 12.20 -2.85 1.35 19.57 18.63 5.07 -7.70 25.05 24.39 2.69 0.11
Wk 2 11.87 12.06 -1.54 0.17 19.42 21.55 -9.88 -0.77 24.79 26.12 -5.09 -1.04
Wk 3 11.87 12.00 -1.11 0.00 19.45 21.58 -9.89 0.15 24.55 26.19 -6.25 -0.97
Wk 4 11.83 11.97 -1.14 -0.34 19.35 21.53 -10.14 -0.51 24.53 26.19 -6.33 -0.08

Table 2- (Concluded)
Philippine production

Latest Philippine production

Philippine Statistics Authority stated, The October-December 2018 corn production at 1.81 million
metric tons, was higher by 10.8 percent than the 2017 level of 1.63 million metric tons. Harvest area
increased to 612 thousand hectares from previous year’s record of 571 thousand hectares. Yield per
hectare improved from 2.85 metric tons to 2.95 metric tons or by

3.5 percent (Table 2.1).

o Cagayan Valley contributed the significant increment in production at 163 thousand metric tons. It
was followed by CAR, ARMM, and Caraga with a combined increment of 42 thousand metric tons. The
positive growth for these regions, except ARMM, can be attributed mostly to the increases in harvest
areas. In addition, yield in Caraga and ARMM were up from the 2017 level.

Production for January-December 2018 at 7.77 million metric tons, decreased by 1.8 percent from the
7.92 million metric tons output in 2017. Likewise, harvest area and yield declined to 2.51 million
hectares and 3.09 metric tons per hectare, respectively, from their levels in the previous year (Table
2.2).

Based on standing crop, corn production from January to March 2019 may increase from the previous
year’s level of 2.48 million metric tons.

According to The Manila Times

Rising Ph Corn output 2019-2020

In the Global Agricultural Information Network (Gain) report of its Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in
Manila, the USDA said the figure would be 200,000 MT higher than the 7.9 MMT recorded in MY 18/19.
Last year, total corn output reached 7.8 MMT, a 2-percent drop from the 7.9 MMT in 2017, data from
the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.

This was due to decline in harvest area of about 6.5 percent to 2.5 million hectares from 2.6 million
hectares in 2017, while yields marginally improved to 3.09 tons per hectare from 3.07 tons per hectare.

The major corn producing areas last year included the Cagayan Valley, Northern Mindanao, and
Central Mindanao.

In 2018, the average farm gate prices of yellow corn posted a 22-percent increase to P14.01 per
kilogram from a year ago level of P11.52 per kilogram, reflecting the decline in production due to
typhoon losses, particularly from Typhoon Mangkhut.

However, the USDA said the country’s corn stocks would likely rebound to 452,000 MT in MY 19/20, a
reversal from the 352,000 MT recorded in MY 18/19. The majority of corn stocks are with private
traders and large integrated operations.

Due to improved grain production and adequate feed grain stocks, corn imports are expected to be flat
in MY 19/20, according to USDA

Citing exporter data from the Global Trade Atlas, the USDA said 2018 corn imports reached 724,000
MT, up 39 percent from 522,000 MT in 2017. Indonesian corn accounted for 37 percent of the total
imports, followed by Thai corn and US corn with 29 percent and 24 percent share, respectively.

Meanwhile, demand for feed-corn will increase to 6.7 MMT while food consumption will decrease to 2
MMT due to the shifting diet of the Filipino consumer, the USDA said.

“The domestic feed milling industry continues to consolidate and modernize, servicing the feed needs
of the growing livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries,” it added.

To satisfy the growing demand for yellow corn, the Department of Agriculture was banking on Sorghum
Development Program which aims to produce an estimated 10 MMT of additional feed grains in
100,000 hectares of ancestral domain areas.

Local Demand

In MY 19/20, feed-corn demand will increase to 6.7 million tons as prices abate, while food
consumption will decline to two million tons. The common feed ingredients used in the Philippines
include corn, rice bran, copra meal, feed-wheat, cassava, soybean meal, fishmeal, coconut oil, salt, and
assorted vitamins and minerals. The industry’s structure is comprised of (1) commercial producers, who
are solely engaged in the feed manufacturing business, (2) integrated farm feed millers, who are
engaged in livestock production and at the same time sell feeds commercially, and (3) on-farm feed
millers, who produce feeds for their own farms. The domestic feed milling industry continues to
consolidate and modernize, servicing the feed needs of the growing livestock, poultry, and aquaculture
industries. What used to be an industry led by on-farm feed mixers in the early 1980s is now one of the
fastest growing agricultural enterprise dominated by large commercial players. Corn is the preferred
feed-grain by local end-users. However, quality issues (i.e., aflatoxin) are commonly associated with
locally produced corn, and as a result, most feed-mills prefer imported corn for its reliability and
uniformity. Traders dominate the marketing and distribution of local corn. To discourage corn price
surges, major feed producers and big farm operations import feed-wheat as a yellow corn substitute.
Large feed mills also enter into supply agreements with local corn and cassava producers in exchange
for assured prices and technical assistance. Contracted farmers receive marketing and technical
assistance from major agribusiness companies to encourage production. Although the U.S.-China trade
dispute has resulted in some interest in low priced sorghum from local poultry raisers, awareness of its
use remains low. Hog feeds account for an estimated 60 percent of overall feed production; poultry
feeds are roughly 25 percent; and the remaining 15 percent are aquaculture and other animal feeds.
The domestic hog industry is currently concerned with African Swine Fever, which has reached
Southeast Asia, and industry is pushing for stricter quarantine and import inspection procedures. Yellow
corn prices continuously increased in 2018. According to preliminary PSA data, the average yellow corn
wholesale price in 2018 was P20.15 ($0.38) per kilo, 12 percent higher than the P17.99 ($0.34) per kilo
average price in 2017

Downward adjustments (100,000 tons) were made to food and feed-corn consumption in MY 18/19 due
to similar revisions made to corn production during the year. Food demand will decline from the
previous year’s level, while feed consumption will increase from the MY 17/18 levels due to the shifting
diet of the Filipino consumer.

CORN PRODUCTION IN PHILIPPINES

Cagayan Valley has been the top contributor of yellow corn in terms of national production. As of 2012,
the region produced a total of 1,808,784 metric tons of yellow corn for a 34.51 percent share of total
production. The region was followed by SOCCSKSARGEN and Northern Mindanao with total
production of 960,272 metric tons and 864,835 metric tons, respectively (BAS data). For the other
regions, the effort is on increasing their own production of yellow corn and it is here that they need to
collaborate with R&D partners

PEST MANAGEMENT

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a comprehensive approach to insect, weed and disease
management to protect against yield loss. IPM provides many benefits for farmers, society and the
environment. IPM practices offer farmers flexibility, good use of resources, opportunities to increase
yields and profits, new technology and reduced potential for weed resistance.

IPM for insects includes planting corn hybrids with traits that confer resistance to insects and other
pests, using seed treatments, scouting and identifying insect pests, making timely insecticide
applications when needed, and using cultural practices to diminish the threat from insects.   

Hybrid selection

Effective and economical insect control in corn production relies heavily on selecting the appropriate Bt
corn hybrid. After growers consider a hybrid’s high yield potential, area adaptation and disease
package, they can use different Bt technologies for insect control and resistance management.
Growers can also use hybrids with multiple Bt traits for the same pest to assist with resistance
management.

Seed treatments

Using the correct insecticide seed treatment and rate is another way to provide effective and
economical insect control in corn production. Seed treatments protect corn seed and young corn plants
from insects, nematodes, disease and other threats to plant health and yield.

Scouting

After corn emerges, consistent scouting, which includes sampling and insect identification, is the best
way to know what pests are in the field and whether or not they will threaten yields and profits. Different
corn pests appear at different times. A calendar from Purdue University pinpoints when most corn pests
are likely to occur and gives specific scouting information for each type of pest. Problem infestation
areas may be related to soil conditions. If only one side of a field shows insect problems, it may be
related to an invasion from a field border. Keep in mind that in corn fields, problem areas with sharply
defined edges could be a sign of insect damage, or they may be the result of nematode or herbicide
injury.

For general scouting, start at a different point each week. Pick a random pattern in advance and walk
without consciously choosing good or bad areas. Sample after regular intervals – every 20 steps or so.
Walk to within 30 feet of each field edge, as many problems start from the sides of the field.

Take samples of insects and scan the entire field for possible insect damage while walking from one
site to the next. Observe the plants around the sample site while looking for patterns or variations. If
insects and damage are not easily identified, consult county Extension personnel or a pest identification
guide.

Thresholds and best scouting methods vary by insect pest, corn hybrid, timing of planting and
geographic location. Thresholds for pest populations that require insecticide applications also vary, and
the determination should be based on timely regional information from sources such as a university
Extension service.

Insecticide applications

A soil-applied insecticide can be used at planting to control insects such as corn rootworm larvae, white
grubs, cutworms, wireworms and seedcorn maggots. When insect counts indicate that above-ground
insect populations have exceeded economic thresholds, growers can consult with sources such as a
university Extension service to make timely, judicious foliar applications of insecticides.

Cultural practices

Cultural practices can affect insect pest populations. For example, planting field corn early, during the
recommended planting window, will reduce the risk of crop damage from several late-season insect
species such as corn borers and fall armyworms. Crop rotation also helps fend off insect populations.
Soil sampling every few years to test for insect populations is another helpful practice.

Additionally, predators and parasites can often keep a pest population from reaching treatable levels.
Be aware of population levels of naturally occurring predators and parasites and recognize that
treatment thresholds can sometimes be increased with high predator populations.

Weed control

Certain insects are carriers of virus diseases in corn. Controlling weeds such as Johnsongrass early in
the season reduces the chances that leafhoppers and aphids will transmit viruses to corn. For example,
when planting corn in fields known to be heavily infested with Johnsongrass, choose a hybrid with good
tolerance to the maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) complex. Additionally, reduce insect breeding areas
in host weeds, such as pigweeds or marestail, through herbicide applications.

Tillage

No-till production systems can exacerbate insect pest problems in many cases. Cutworms, wireworms,
white grubs, seed corn maggots and lesser cornstalk borers may build up in grass sod or where
previous crop residue has been left on the soil surface at planting. A herbicide burndown three to four
weeks prior to planting can reduce infestation risks. When soil is disturbed during land preparation,
scout for white grubs, wireworms and any other insects that may be exposed.

Common corn insect pests

Cutworms
Corn leaf aphid

Thrips

Corn rootworm

Wireworms

Chinch bug

White grub