Grain Corn [Zea mays]
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the third world’s most important cereal crop after wheat and rice that is widely grown throughout the temperate zones and in higher altitude zones in tropical regions. It is grown as fodder and grain. Maize grain is used in a variety of ways by human beings. In Kenya, maize is the most important crop. More than 40% of the arable land is planted with maize and with consumption of more than 100 kg of maize per capita, it is the most important staple food for Kenyans.
Maize farming
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the third world’s most important cereal crop after wheat and rice that is widely grown throughout the temperate zones and in higher altitude zones in tropical regions. It is grown as fodder and grain. Maize grain is used in a variety of ways by human beings. In Kenya, maize is the most important crop. More than 40% of the arable land is planted with maize and with consumption of more than 100 kg of maize per capita, it is the most important staple food for Kenyans.
Weeds are one of the most important limiting factors in maize production. They cause important yield losses worldwide with an average of 13% despite weed control measures and 29% in the case of no weed control. Therefore, weed control is an important management practice for maize production that should be carried out to ensure optimum grain yield. Since the weeds are worldwide despite all the measures reducing the yield on average at least 13%, it is crucial to reduce early season weed competition with application of herbicides in pre-emergence.
