Corn Production

Basic Information about Corn

What is a corn plant? Of what importance is corn to human beings animals and industry? How does corn compared with polished and unpolished rice in terms of vitamin and mineral content?

The corn plant belongs to the grass family or graminae and is botanically called Zea mays Linn. It is a summer annual crop in temperate areas. Other crops belonging to this family of plants are rice, sugar cane, and sorghum. The most probable homeland of corn is South America since wild pod maize, which is the most likely prototype of corn, grows there.

Corn ranks next to rice as our staple crop in the Philippines. About 70 percent of our total corn production is consumed as human food; the rest is used for livestock and poultry feeds. Corn is also used in our industry in manufacture of corn by-products like corn starch, textile, paints, corn oil, paper, etc.

Uses of Corn

Corn is cereal crop with a variety of uses.

1. We mill the grain into corn grits and prepare it for food by steaming it like rice. Most of our people prefer the white flint corn type because of its color and higher percentage of recovery upon milling.

2. We can also prepare corn into corn flakes, corn oil, corn syrup, popcorn, corn coffee and others.3. We also use of corn for our livestock and poultry. All parts of the corn plant are used as feed for our animals. You can

feed your pigs, horses, cattle and carabaos with fresh corn plants with the ears (corn fodder). You can also utilize the ears for food and the stalk for feed. You can feed unshelled corn to your hogs and unground kernels to your poultry. You can also grind your corn into corn meal. Other farmers just release their animals in their corn fields for pasture.

Corn by-products

In the manufacture of starch, syrup, corn oil, and others, the following by-products are obtained:

1. Corn bran (tahup sa mais) – This is the outer coating of the corn kernel when milled.2. Corn gluten feed – This is the corn by-product obtained in the manufacture of corn starch or syrup. This feed is

bulky and of low quality protein. It should not be used as a major portion of our swine ration.3. Corn oil meal or corn oil cake – This is the corn by-product of the wet milling corn starch and corn syrup. Oil is

extracted from corn meal that has been dried and crushed. Corn oil meal contains 22 percent of protein and 10 percent fiber. It can be used a feed for swine, especially when mixed with high-protein animal or marine products.

Our flour factories in the Philippines utilize a major part of our total corn produce in starch preparations.

Other industrial products from corn

Almost all parts of the corn plant have industrial products and uses:

1. The corn stalk is used in the manufacture of wallboard, fuel gas and paper. When the stalk is decayed, it is used a fertilizer.

2. The corn ear is used for making oil and corn starch. Oil goes into the manufacture of soap, paint varnish, and rubber substitute. It can also be processed in to edible oil for salad or into oil cakes. Corn starch is used in the production of corn syrup (commercially known as glucose, ,maltose, dextrose, dextrin) ,alcohol, medicine and corn gluten. You can also use it in the preparation of baking powder, desserts, pastries, etc.

3. The corn germ is used in the manufacture of salad and table oils, mayonnaise, soap, oleo margarine, leather dressing and other pharmaceuticals.

4. The corn cobs is used in making glucose, tobacco pipes, fuel and fertilizers, Glucose is converted in acetic, oxamic and succinic acid.

Terms for study

It is important that you understand the following terms:

1. Staple crops- chief or principal crop grown.2. Livestock – large animals like cattle and carabaos.3. Calorie – a unit used to express the fuel or energy value of food.4. Percentage milling = (No. of cavans obtained after milling/No of cavans milled)x 1005. Forage - fresh cured plants, legumes and grasses used as feeds for animals.6. Corn silage – chopped corn plants with or without ears which have been stored in a compartment or silo to preserve

their nutrients and palatability.7. Corn soilage- fresh corn plants at the flowering stage fed to animals as supplement.8. Corn fodder- corn plants, either fresh or cured with the ears to fed the animals.9. Shock corn – similar to fodder; corn grown primarily for grain but fed to livestock without husking.10. Corn stover – cured form the ears have been removed. The feeding value of corn stover is primarily in the leaves and

not in the stalks.

Module 1. Determining the prospect of corn enterprise

Is Philippine soil suited to corn production? What types of climate are suitable for corn production? How great is the demand for corn in our country and neighboring countries? In what regions in the Philippines is corn grown profitably? How does our average production compare with that of other countries like Indonesia, India and Pakistan? Is there reasonable profit in corn enterprise?

“A work well planned and studied is considered 50 percent finished”. A farmer should first work out his plan before he decides to start the job. For success in his business, he should consider such factors as soil and climate, supply and demand, size of land, ease of production, labor, capital and gain or loss (economics).

Soil and climate

You can plant corn in almost any kind of soil, although clay loam rich in humus and organic matter is preferable. If your field is not suitable for corn production, apply proper fertilizers and organic matter. You can also improve the fertility of the soil by planting leguminous plants like mongo, beans, peanuts, and pass. All soils in our country require nitrogen fertilization for high corn yields. Nearly all soils in Mindanao will give increased yields of corn with phosphorus fertilization. Recent findings show that sandy soils to which potassium has been added increase the yield of corn.

Our climate is very favourable for corn growing. Higher yields of corn are obtained when there is abundant rainfall and sunlight. Corn can be grown twice or thrice in most parts of the country. See and study the climate map of the Philippines below.

Philippine climate type 4, the most extensive type in Mindanao, is ideal for corn. This type has no pronounced maximum rain period and dry season. Corn can be grown continuously in this type of climate. Type 2 climate has pronounced maximum rain period. Provide adequate natural and artificial drainage because excess water well reduce the yield in most cases.in type 3 climates avoid growing corn during the dry season. The residual soil moisture has been exhausted at this time.

Supply and demand

The next essential thing we have to know is the supply and demand condition in our country. How much corn do we produce? How much do we consume per year? Are we still importing or exporting corn?

Corn is next to rice in the use of our agricultural land. The crop area devoted to corn production 1965-66 was about 2,000,000 hectares. The average yield was11.6 cavans per hectare. Our yield of corn is very much behind that of other countries. Among the Asian countries japan had the highest average in 1964 with 47.7 cavans per hectare; Burma had the lowest with9.3 cavans.

There is always a good market for corn. Plant more corn to cope up with our rapid increasing population. By year 1970, the consumption of corn for human food will 16,476,600 cavans; for animal feed, 18,580,700 cavans; for industrial uses, 1,000,400 cavans; and for seed waste and others, 245,400 cavans.

Expenses and Income

Is your present average production per hectare more than enough to pay all the costs of producing a hectare of corn? Know and study the economics of your business to obtain profit.

Expected expenses. – First, you must determine your overall expense in cultivating a hectare of corn field. Include labor expenses for plowing (twice), harrowing, furrowing, planting, cultivating, weeding, shelling, ect. Second, determine all supplies needed, like planting materials, fertilizers, chemicals, containers, ect. Third, you must have the needed tools, implements, equipment, ect. Fourth, consider whether your land is your own, leased or rented. Fifth, determine how much capital you have and how much interest you will get if your money were placed in the bank. Sixth, include under labor expense your management fee you being the one managing the farm. Seventh, compute the depreciation of buildings, tools, and equipment at 10% annually.

Expected income.- After determining all expected expenses, your next job is to find out your total expected income from the same farm. On what items do you expect to get an income on your farm? First, consider the total number of cavans you expect to harvest in a given area. Second, know the current price per cavan of either shelled or corn grits. Include your expected sales of the bran obtained. Third, include the sales of other crops or legumes you intercropped, if any. Fourth, list down all other products and items on which you expect to have an income.

Profit. – When you already know all the items under expected expenses and income, then determine the gain and loss of the project. Subtract from the total expected income your total expected expenses. If the difference is positive, you gained, if negative you lost.

You should not be surprised and discourage if you lose on the and second years of your farm operation. Your loss may be due to your purchase of expensive tools and equipment like hand tractors, plows, and harrows. When you use carabaos in preparing the field, you also buy them in the first year of your operation.

Economics of corn industry

The livestock industry. – We shall have no corn export for sometimes because of our growing livestock industry. Our hogs and poultry projects depend on corn as feed. In 1968, some 9, 377,900 cavans was needed for livestock feeds. The feed millers of 1966 used 2,968,000 cavans a year. Corn is 52 percent of the poultry feed and 32 percent of the hog feed.

Industrial purposes. – In 1968, the output if the starch factories was estimated at 30,000 metric ton of starch. The corn required was 907,400 cavans.

Profit to farmers-

Suggested Activities

1. Make a project study of a one-hectare, 3-hectar, 5-hectare and 10-hectare corn farm.2. Determine and list down the causes of low corn production in your locality or region.3. What do you think are the major problems of the corn industry in the Philippines?4. You may visit a successful corn farm. Be sure you have a prepared plan on what to observe on the farm.

Module 2. SELECTING THE BEST SITE FOR CORN FIELD

Fertility of soil is a factor that will help you obtain high corn yield. If you are finally decided to raise corn, your first job is to look for a good site for your crop. What is an ideal site for corn? To select an ideal site is not easy. Many factors limit your selection. Let us consider the major ones: (1) accessibility of land, (2) soil situation, (3) climate, and (4) peace and order situation.

Accessibility of Land

The best land is one that is near your house and a good road. Why? It will enable you to do work anytime you like. You can hire labor more easily. You can manage and supervise farm effectively. You can transport and market products more efficiently and easily.

Soil Condition

You can attain top yields of corn if the following soil conditions are present:

1. Well-drained soil2. Soil depth of at least 40 centimeters3. Medium texture 4. Moisture-retention-holding power or ability of the soil to retain water or moisture5. High fertility6. High organic content7. Level fields8. Favorable tilth or slant 9. Slight acidity (pH. 5.3- 7.3)

Drainage- You must plant corn soil with good drainage during rainy season. If your soil has no natural drainage, dig canals all around your field. See to it that no water stays long in the field. It will destroy your plants and reduce yield. Hill up the corn in such a way that the small canals between the rows are directed to the lowest part of the field.

Texture-Clay loam or sandy loam is good soil for corn. If the soil is very sticky, you can improve it by adding humus and lime (wood ash). Proper plowing and harrowing will also improve the fineness of the soil. Till only when the soil is not too wet or too dry.

Topography-Corn likes best field that is slightly rolling and fairly deep (40 cm. or more). Such topography will minimize the possibility of water staying stagnant on the field. Hilly fields will do well during wet season. A level field is good for dry-season planting provided there is no strong rain during the growing period. If possible, select a site that has a good water supply. Irrigating the fields during the dry season will increase the yield of the crop.

Climate

Corn requires abundant rainfall and sunlight. It grows in places at sea level up to 10,000 feet (3,050 meters) high. Temperature through-out the country is satisfactory for corn growing. The two important climate considerations are rainfall and soil moisture and the occurrence of typhoons.

Rainfall and soil moisture- You should have a rainfall of 7.9 inches (200 mm.) to 59.0 inches (1,500 mm.) during the growing period. Your optimum seasonal rainfall will probably be between 15.8 inches (400 mm.) and 23.6 inches (600 mm.). This amount of rain should be well distributed during growing period. Abundant soil moisture is the most needed by the plants for growth and flowering. See to it that enough soil moisture is supplied within 3- month growing period of the crop. During dry season irrigating is necessary.

Typhoons. – Typhoons are very destructive to crops. It is therefore essential for you to know the occurrences of typhoons in your place. It will help you make adjustments in your plan and planting calendar. See to it that your crop escapes the typhoon months. For example, if the typhoons usually occur in November, plant early as May or June so that you can minimize the bad effect of typhoons by providing good windbreaks. A wind-break is anything that protects your crop from strong winds. Example of wind breaks are hills, buildings, and trees. You can plant fruit trees around your fields or locate your building where they can help protect your crops from strong winds.

Bear in mind the following technical information related to water requirements in corn growing:

1. The amount of water transpired depends of the stage of development of the plant and the climate factors.2. A single corn plant in full leaf may transpire 8 gallons of water in a week.3. Total water need is higher in fertile soils than in poor soils.4. A shortage of moisture supply in the soil during early growth:

a. Slows down vegetative growth. b. Delays silking and tasseling.c. Delays maturity.d. Results in non-synchronization of silking and tasseling.

5. The greatest need of corn for high soil moisture is during the tasseling and silking stage.6. A shortage of water for 2 to 8 days during tasseling period will reduce corn yield by 20 to 50 percent.7. Shortage of water supply after silking has to effect on the vegetative growth of corn.

Shortage of water supply throughout the growing season of the corn plants will results in:

1. Stunted plants having short internodes2. More root growth in relation to top growth3. Poor leaf growth 4. Delayed silking and tasseling5. Delayed maturity6. Small, purely filled ears

Peace and Order Situation

What is the peace and order situation in the site you have selected for corn production? Do the people cooperate in not allowing animals to go astray? Are there thieves in the community? How about stealing young-sters? In marketing your corn, have you met some problems with some market personnel, labor unions and other governmental officials? These problems will help you decide where to locate a site for your corn enterprise.

Terms to know and study

1. Site- the area or land where you plant corn.2. Topography-the contour or steepness of the land. Ex. Rolling land, gently rolling, hilly, etc.3. Texture-the fineness of the soil particles. Ex. Clay loam, sandy loam, silt, gravel, etc.4. Windbreak-any protection provided to crops against strong winds. Ex. Trees, buildings, walls, fences, etc.5. Climate-composite weather conditions of a region, as temperature, humidity, sunshine, and winds, averaged over a

series of years.

Supplementary Activities

1. Visit an ideal site for corn growing in your community, if there is any.2. Familiarize the class with different types of soil. Draw a soil profile showing the different layers of soil as surface

soil, sub-soil, stratum, sub-stratum, etc.3. Sow corn seed in different types of soil and observe the stand of plants. Find out the best soil for corn.

Module 3. CHOOSING THE MOST ADAPTED AND PRODUCTIVE VARIETY TO PLANT

There are many types, varieties, or strains of corn. A good variety of corn is one that is suited and adapted to your soil and climate and one that is productive. With proper planting practices and good care, a good variety is sure to give an abundant harvest. Other factors that you should consider in choosing a variety are likes of your family and the market demands. The variety you choose must command a good price in your place.

Factors in Selection

Consider the following factors in selecting a variety to plant:

1. Adaptability to soil and climate. – Corn varieties may do well in one region may not in another. Consider the conditions in your locality. Observe different successful corn farms in your locality or ask advice from your agriculture teachers, town agriculturist and extensions adapted and productive. Keep good records and compare the production. You should know your own situation better than anybody else. Know what corn seeds to buy and where to buy them. Consult reliable people.

2. Market demand. - The quality of your product will determine the price. The better quality, the higher the price. However, the local demand for the product is more important in determining the price. For example, yellow flint cost very much more that white flint in the poultry-piggery region. White flint also commands better price in region with very little rice production. Glutinous, pop, or sweet corn will get better prices in regions near resorts. A variety that is adapted and productive and commands a good price is the best one.

3. Maturity and yields. – In general, the higher your yield, the greater is your income. Maturity of your crops affects your farm operations. It might hinder you from planting your next crop early. However, early and late maturing corn varieties have their own advantages and disdavantages.

Types/ Varieties of Corn

There are 3 general types of corn:

1. Maize group or types. - Corn grown under cultivation is classified in six groups. This classification is based on kernel characteristics.

a. Dent corn. –It is characterized by a dent on the crown or top the kernel-caused by shrinkage of soft starch at the crown during ripening. This soft starch is surrounded on the sides by hard or corneous starch. This types is easily attacked by weevils because of its soft dented part.

The varieties of dent corn are Missouri, Wisconsin crosses, and Iowa crosses.

b. Flint Corn. – The flint corn kernel is characterized by a hard starch layer extending over the crown. Flint corn kernels shrink uniformly as they mature.

i. White flint corn is used solely for rice, corn and starch production. Example ate UPCA Var. 2 and 4, College White, Bicol and Cebu White and Tiniguib.

ii. Yellow flint corn is use for poultry and livestock feeds. Some yellow flint varieties are UPCA Var. 1 and 3, College Yellow Flint, Cuban Yellow and Phil. Hybrid 1.

c. Flour corn or soft corn.- The kernels consists almost entirely of soft starch with a very thin layer of hard starch on the sides. The kernels show little or no denting.

d. Sweet corn. – This kind is really sweet. The sweet kernel contains higher proportion of sugar than starch. It is characterized by a wrinkled and translucent appearance of the kernel when dry. This type is getting popular in our country. We can raise the two variety of this vigorously. They are the Philippines Yellow Sweet and Hawaiian Yellow Sweet. Our Philippines variety is more productive. The Hawaiian variety has tender pericarp and is of better eating quality.

Other varieties of sweet corn are Columbian Yellow, Agrow Golden 50, Black Mexican, Golden Cross Bantam and Phil. Hybrid 801.

e. Waxy corn or glutinous corn.- This type is known by us as lakitan or pelit. The term waxy refer to wax-like appearance of the endosperm when we cut or break the corn ear. When dried, waxy corn seed are dull while white flint kernels are shiny. In our country we have the white and yellow glutinous. We prefer the white glutinous strain because of it tastes better when boiled green There are three standard glutinous varieties or strains:

i. Morong glutinousii. Central Luzon glutinous

iii. Laguna glutinous

Other strains are:

iv. Batangas Selectionv. Laguna

vi. College Yellowvii. Camarines

viii. Sulu Selectionix. Cagayan, and x. Pangasinan

Our farmers usually name a strain after the region where it is raised.f. Popcorn. - You can easily identify this type. The ears are small and the kernels contains high percentage of

hard endosperm starch which make popcorn varieties pop and burst open upon heating. We have two types of popcorn:

i. Rice popcorn- Kernels are slender and pointed.ii. Pearl popcorn- Kernels are rounded and small.

Some available varieties of popcorn in our country are: Golden Green, Yellow Pop, Rice Pop 14 and Sugar Gold Rice Pop 19.

2. Hybrid Corn – This is the first generation of a cross that involves two or more inbred lines. You can develop inbred lines by controlled self- pollination of adapted strains for 5 to 7 generations. Hybrid corn will give you the greatest yield during the first generation. When you use corn seed for second planting from the first generation(F 1) plants the following will result:

a. Lower yieldsb. Less uniform plantsc. Other undesirable traits

Philippine Hybrids 1, 4 and 6 are examples of corn hybrids developed locally.

Some types of hybrids (for technical study) are:

a. Single cross(A x B, cross between two unrelated inbreed)b. Tree-way cross- (A x B) x C

c. Multiple cross-[(A x B) x (C x D) x (E x F) x (G x H) ]d. Top cross – inbred-variety cross, A x open pollinated varietye. Varietal hybrid – variety A x variety B

3. Synthetic corn variety. – The high-yielding synthetic variety produced by Plant Breeding Division at the U.P. College of Agriculture.

Types of corn:

a. Popcorn(white)b. Glutinous corn(white)c. Sweet corn(yellow)d. Dent corn(yellow)e. Flint corn(yellow)

Some terms to know and study

1. Maturity – refers to the time from solving up to harvesting.2. Hybrid corn- is the first generation of a cross that involves one or more inbred lines. These inbred lines are developed

by controlled self-pollination.3. Synthetic corn variety- is the advanced generation of high combining lines crossed together or inter se.4. Yield- refers to the production in gantas or cavans per hectare.

Suggested Activities

1. Divide the class into groups to conduct survey on:a. Varieties of native corn planted in the communityb. Varieties of hybrid and synthetic corn raisedc. Production of each variety per hectare(computed or actual)d. Comparison of varieties as to adaptability, productivity, and rate gain

2. Conduct simple studies on the following:a. Adaptability of different synthetic varietiesb. Possibility of seed production for business c. Others

Module 4. SECURING, SELECTIONG AND PREPARING CORN SEEDS FOR THE FARM

After you have selected a good site and have decided on what variety to plant, what is your next job? If you want more money, aim to produce high. One important job you have you to do is to secure, select and prepare corn seeds for planting. Let us find out how.

Securing Seeds

Secure seed from reliable sources. You can see the following personnel or agencies:

1. Municipal agriculturist, APC or PACF officers2. Corn specialist in the area, district or region3. Bureau of Plant Industry, or authorized representatives4. Any registered seed producer in the area5. UPCA Corn Section or Plant Breeding Division6. Any registered and authorized seed dealers in the town, district, province and cities.

However, if you cannot secure seeds from any of the agencies, you can see the successful farmers in the area. Visit and observe their corn plants. Select ears right on the field and prepare them for proper storage or planting. Consult your agriculture teacher for reliable selection.

Selecting Seeds

Select seeds for planting very well. If you buy seeds, select those that are certified and approved by the Philippines Seed Board. You can be sure of their high percentage of germination and viability, and their freedom from weed seed and diseases. The variety recommended and approved the Seed Board has passed a series of performance test in the different parts of the country.

If you get seeds from your seed stock, use one of two ways:

1. Selection of ears. – Select good ears whose kernels are well-developed and free from pests and diseases. Do this selection right on the field while the crops are still standing.

2. Selection of kernels. – You can select good kernels from the good ears by (1) the sieving and (2) the kernel- ear methods.

Sieving method. - Shell the selected ears and then select the good kernels by sieving. Make a sieving device where small grains will pass through easily. Use for planting the kernels that are retained in the sieved.

Kernel-ear method- Remove only small kernels at the butts and tips of the good ears. Shell for planting the kernels left on the cob. Utilize the discarded small seed for feeds, if they are not treated with poisonous chemicals. Seeds on the tips and butt of ears are similar yielding ability except for their smaller size. These seeds, therefore, exhibit less seedling vigor at an early stage of growth.

Storing Seeds for Planting

Store seeds using the following methods:

1. “Halayhalay” method. – In this method of storing, the ears are left in the “halayhalay” until the time for use. Hang the unhusked ears in the rows starting from below. In this ways, the ears do not retain moisture. Arrange them by putting the tips lower than the butts; do not remove the silks to prevent passage of weevils into the kernels.

2. Jute sacks, bags and boxes. – Your sack-stored seed might be attacked by weevils and other insect pest. Winnow to remove the empty grain before planting.

In storing your corn seeds, care should be taken against attacks of insects and possible losses due to rodents, thieves, and others. If you use jute sacks treat them with 5 percent DDT solution before you store the grain. Studies show that aqueous solution of DDT (25 percent 10 ml/gal) and Thiodan on unhusked corn will protect grain from weevils and other pests.

You can also fumigate stored grain in cribs.

Requirements for good storage

Store your product properly after it is dried. Consider the following factors in storing grain:

1. Warehouse condition2. Containers used3. Condition of grain before storage4. Inspection procedures followed5. Preventive measures against insects and pests

See to it that the grains are cleaned and dried to 14 percent moisture content before storing.

Treating corn grains for storage

Treat your seeds to protect them from pest and diseases. Study and follow the procedures below:

Material needed-Prepare:

1. Home-made mixer – a drum, kerosene can or old carbide can will do. Put a shaft and crank for easy operation. 2. Dusk mask, clean handkerchief or respirator3. Captan Dieldrin 60-15 4. Measuring device- tablespoon and balance

Procedure – Follow the steps

1. Put 6 gantas of corn grain in the mixer. Corn grain must be thoroughly before being treated. The mixer must also and be cleaned and be big enough. Fill the mixer to half of its capacity.

2. Scatter about 20 grams of Captan –Dieldren leo-15 on the grain.3. Tie a dry handkerchief over your mouth and nose or else wear a dust mask or respirator so you do not inhale the

poisonous dust.4. Fasten the cover of the mixer securely.5. Turn the mixer slowly 20 to 30 minutes or until the seeds are coated with the most of the chemicals. Through mixing

is important to when applying no-volatile materials. Turning the mixer slowly will prevent crushing of the seeds.6. Store treated seeds in a bin or pile. Leave for 24 hours in fairly well-ventilated containers. Keep them dry. A place with

moderate temperature and low humidity is good for storage.7. Sow within 2 to 3 days, if possible, to prevent reinfection.

Testing the Viability of Your Seeds

You can test the viability of your seeds a week or two before sowing. Germination test will save your time, energy, money, and planting space. How do you test the viability of seeds? You can get the percentage of germination by using this formula.

Pecentage Germination =(No. of seeds germinate/No. of seeds used or sown) x 100

Example

Get 100 seeds and sow them in the seed box. After 4 to 6 days count the number of seeds that had germinated. If 80 of 100 seeds germinated then:

Pecentage Germination=(80/100)x 100

=80%

Your seeds, therefore, have 80 percent viability rate. You are at least assured that 80 out of 100 seed to be planted on the field will germinate.

Knowing the amount of seeds needed

You must decide first the distance of your planting and rate of seeding to determine the amount of seeds needed. If you plant UPCA Var. 1, 2, and, 4, two methods of planting may be used. In the first method, plant one seed to a hill. Distancing should be 25 centimeters between hill and 75 centimeter between rows. In the second method, plant two seeds a hill.

Distancing 50 centimeter between hill and 75 between rows. In both methods, you will need about 53,000 seeds or about six gantas per hectare.

Plant breeders at U.P. College of Agriculture have found out that a ganta of medium-sized kernels around 9,000 seeds. A hectare of land requires approximately 53,000 to 55,000 seeds. You therefore need 6 to 7 gantas of medium-sized kernels to plant a hectare of land of the percentage of germination is from 98 to 100.

Supposed your 6 gantas has only 75% germination, will you enough seeds to plant 1 hectare? If no, how many gantas more will you need? You follow the formula below to obtain the exact quantity.

-Multiply 1.333 by the amount of seeds needs if germination were 100 percent.

- This is figure is derived from the formula 100%75%

which give the increase in seeds if the germination is only 75%,

The amount of seeds that you need to plant 1 hectare is 1.333 x 6, which is 7.998 or 8 gantas.

Terms to know and study

1. Philippine Seed Board- the agency that finally decides and proves the varieties to be multiplies and planted by the farmers.

2. Certified seed- either the first-or second-generation of registered seeds. It is produced by selected farmers under the supervision of qualified seed inspector. Good seeds are either produced form registered or certified seeds.

3. Registered seed- the advanced generation of the foundation seeds produces in isolated fields. Production of registered seed is the responsibility of BPI seed farms and reliable seed producers selected by BPI.

4. Foundation seed- the advanced generation of the breeder seed grown in bigger plots or in isolation. It is also handled by breeders.

5. Breeder seed –the corn seed material handled directly by breeders. It is carefully produce by hand pollination.

Suggested Activities

1. Determine percentage germination of the different corn seed stocks brought by member of the class.2. Make a home-made mixer for seed treatment for use by students on their farms.3. Let students do actual selection of corn ears for seeds right on the field. Let then store until planting by using any of

the known methods.4. Let them plant stored seeds when ready for the job.

Module 5. PREPARATION OF THE LAND

Thorough preparation of your land increases the yields of corn. There are other reasons why the land should be well prepared:

1. Weed computing with the plants are easily controlled. 2. Corn seeds can be planted at uniform depths.3. Your plants will have a good start over the weeds.4. You plants will have proper root development because of the loose of soil. A loose of seedbed of medium fine texture

has few large air pockets. Therefore soil moisture move readily from soil granule to soil granule and eventually to

seed on root hair. Medium fine structure also permits good soil –seed contact which is essential for rapid and uniform germination.

Recommended land preparation for UPCA Var. 1(Yellow), Var. 2(White), Var. 4(White)

After harvesting your last corn