Corn Field

2. AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY - SWEET CORN TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Maize (Zea Mays L) is a type of cereal crops originated from Central America and

was introduced in Malaysia in Sweet Corn in the early 70's. Corn acreage and production in

Malaysia is shown in Table 1. Major states producing corn is Johor, Kelantan, Pahang and

Perak.

Table 1: Area and Sweet Corn Pengluaran by State in Malaysia (ha) for the years 2005 to 2007

State2005 2006 2007

Wide Success (ha)

Production (Mt)

Wide Success (ha)

Production (Mt)

Wide Success (ha)

Production (Mt)

Johor 1,224.3 9,930.5 1,383.6 9,387.6 991.8 6001.7

Kedah 186.2 1,662.1 247.2 1,783.3 554.0 3415.4

Kelantan 713.6 4,529.9 754.6 4,532.3 814.1 4543.3

Melaka 95.2 730.5 95.6 1,073.3 115.0 805.0 805.0

N. Sembilan 174.7 715.6 177.5 1.621.6 262.0 1,333.7

Pahang 365.3 3,660.4 330.3 1,701.3 364.9 1515.6

Perak 536.1 3,122.0 380.5 2,371.3 380.5 2,371.3

Perlis 1.3 10.3 1.8 9.6 22.7 1,24.9

P. Pinang 59.5 416.4 100.2 701.2 305.2 1,527.8

Selangor 68.6 266.5 148.5 715.5 192.6 1,127.4

Terengganu 439.4 1,671.3 46.4 181.7 56.0 322.1

Sem. Malaysia

3,864.3 26,615.6 3,666.2 24,078.6 4,059.2 23,088.2

Sabah 1,403.1 3,046.4 1,437.7 2,842.1 1,086.1 2,418.1Sarawak 1,232.0 5,666.2 1,458.3 6,562.1 1,458.3 6,562.1

WP Labuan 2.6 53.6 - - 2.0 7.0 7.0

Total 6,502.0 35,381.7 6,562.2 33,482.8 6,605.6 32,075.4

Content of nutrients in 100 gm of corn kernels are shown in Table 2. Among the most abundant

nutrient is carbohydrate (69.3 grams), protein (9.2 grams) and fat (4.6 grams).

Table 2: Nutrient Content of Food in the Corn (per 100 gm)

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Nutrition Total

Energy 355 calories

Water 13.5 gm

Protein 9.2 gm

Fat 4.6 gm

Carbohydrate 69.3 gm

Fiber 2.0 gm

Ash 1.4 gm

Ca 45.0 gm

Fe 2.9 gm

P 224.0 gm

Na 11.0 gm

K 76.0 gm

Carotene 256.0 gm

Retinal equivalent 43.0 gm

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) 0:22 gm

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 0:12 gm

Niacin 1.7 gm

Vitamin C 8.8 gm

Source: Nutrient Composition of Malaysian Food 7 IMR, 1982

2.0 BOTANICAL CROPS

The scientific name for corn is Zea Mays L. from the family Gramineae with

other cereal crops such as wheat, rice and millet. It is a plant that reproduces through pollination

monoesius cros-bred. Taxonomy of corn is as follows:

Class : AngiospermOrder : GraminalesFamily : GramineaeGenus : ZeaSpecies : lignin

Corn can be classified based on several criteria. System classifications used by the

International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center Maize and for populations under maize

breeding programs are in accordance with the following criteria:

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i. Climate suitability: - Tropical - Sub-Tropical - Moderate Climate - Highland

ii. Maturity Period - Early maturity- Intermediate - Late maturity

iii. Kernel Color - White - Yellow - Others

iv. Features of Kernel

Flint corn - Pericarp is thick, a considerable portion of the endosperm hard, smooth surface of the kernel and the kernel rounded peak.

Dent corn - Kernel pericarp medium-thick, the endosperm consists of hard and soft. Kernel has a groove at its peak.

Sweet corn - Has a rather wry kernel and contains much sugar.

Popcorn - Very thick pericarp, endosperm hard, round object to the height of the longitudinal. Endosperm will expand and says 'pop' when heated.

Waxy corn - Endosperm has amilopektin which will act like glue

Floury corn -Yellow

Soft kernel pericarp thin and has a lot of flour.

Based on the above classification Suwan 3 corn grain, can be classified under the

Intermediate Tropical Fllllow Sint and Corn Yellow Sweet Honey Mas classified under the

intermediate Tropical Yellow Sweet.

2.1 Morphology of corn

i. Root

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Composed from the roots radicals (first root) and the seminal roots, this is the

primary root of a tree that will support the early stages of growth of the trees. Its role will be

taken over by the root fibers that can extend up to 1.5 meters into the soil with good

drainage. Shoots or plumul appear later some of the radicals. Mesokotil extends upward to

the first book was a tree trunk at 3.0 - 4.5 cm of the soil surface. Mesocotyl length depends

on the depth of seeds in the soil. Mesocotyl trees from seed is planted in is longer than

mesocotyl from seed that is planted shallow. Root systems will fully developed in week 8.

At the early stages, roots will grow laterally and slowly will extend vertically into the

ground.

ii. Stem

Cultivars of corn in Malaysia usually do not produce tendrils. Segment among the

five knots in the trunk is low, and usually below the soil surface. Vertebra - segment of the

fifth knot usually is higher.

iii. Leaf

When coleoptyl exposed to light after germination, two leaves will emerged from

the end of coleoptyl. The first leaf has a rounded tip. All leaves have a pointed tip and are

arranged in alternating. It has a leaf-sheath that covered the trees stem and straight long

shaped lai leaves and hairy with a long straight parallel veins. Cultivars of corn grown in

Malaysia generally have 12-16 leaves.

iv. Flower

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Corn is a seasonal crop monoesius with male flowers and female flowers growth

separately on the same tree. Male flowers located at the top, grown from the end of the tree

stem, while the female inflorescence is located in between leaves-sheath.

Flower Formation

v. KernelsIt consists of three parts that is the pericarp, endosperm and embryo which the

genetic materials are different. The endosperm cells are triploid that contains genetic materials

derived from the amalgamation of a haploid nucleus from the pollen (male trees) and two

haploid nucleus of female trees. The natures of the endosperm are affected by pollen source and

the gene that controls the sweetness of sweet corn is recessive.

3.0 CULTIVARS CORN 3.1 Recommended Cultivars

There are two types of sweet corn cultivars and hybrid composites. For examples

of composite cultivars are Thai Supervisor, Mas Honey and Sweet Honey. For the hybrid cultivar

Bright Jean, Honey Jean No 2, Jean Pearl, Honey Pearl dan Morrison.

3.2 Features of Cultivars Sweet Corn RecommendedFeatures of cultivars Sweet Corn recommended are shown in Table 3 and Table 4.

Table 3: Features of Cultivars Sweet Corn Composite and Hybrid RecommendedFeatures Thai Supersweet Sweet Honey Improved Honey Mas

Cereals Pusillanimous Kecut Pusillanimous Pusillanimous (Shrunken gene)

Endosperm color Yellow to orange Yellow-white to yellow Pale yellow to yellow-gold

Nos. of kernels rows one corncob

12 - 16 12 - 16 14 - 16

Long corncob 15 cm 15 cm 15 cm 16 cm 16 cm

Male flower color Milk Cream Milk Cream Cream - yellow

Color of hairy Milk Cream Cream Cream white

Color of Leaf lamina

Dark green Dark green Dark green

Seludang leaf and stem color

Light green Light green Light green

Male flower 51 days 55 days 43-48 days

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production period

Tree Height 200 cm 200 cm 165 - 215 cm

Corncob Height 100 cm 100 cm 65 - 115 cm

Corncob Potential production

30.000 of fresh corncobs per-hectare



Disease susceptibility

Susceptible to Helminthosporium leaf blight



Table 4: Features of Cultivars Sweet Corn Hybrid Selected

FeaturesHoney Jean #

(Know You Seed)Bright Jean

(Know You Seed)Sweet Melody Yuca 728

(Leekat Seed)

Type of Cereals Pusillanimous Pusillanimous Pusillanimous(Shrunken gene)

Endosperm color Yellowish to orange White-yellow to yellow Light yellow to Gold-yellow

No.s of rows kernels per-corncob

12 - 16 12 - 16 14 - 16

Length corncob 15 cm 15 cm 16 cm

Male flower color Milk Cream Cream Cream Cream - Yellowish

Hairy color Milk Cream Cream White Cream

Leaf laminae color Dark Green Dark Green Dark Green

Seludang leaf and stem color

Green Green Green

Male Flower Formation Period

51 days 55 days 43 - 48 days

Tree Height 200 cm 200 cm 165 - 215 cm

Corncob Height 100 cm 100 cm 65 - 115 cm

Potential production of corncob

30,000 fresh corncobs per-hectare



Disease susceptibility Susceptible to Helminthosporium leaf blight



4.0 CROPS BASIC NEEDS

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4.1 Climate Factor

In Malaysia, maize has extensive compatibility and relatively resistant to climate

change. Corn can survive large temperature range, ie between 5˚C to 45˚C. However, plant

growth ceases when the temperature drops below 10˚C. Tree growth rates increased in parallel

with the increase of the temperature, range between 10˚C and 40˚C. Therefore, the same

cultivars grown in cool places will take longer time to flower and mature, compared to the one

grown in a place with higher temperature. At the temperatures above 40˚C, the growth rate was

affected because of the tree is always facing problem due to lack of water or "water stress".

Temperature also affects the production of corn. The ideal temperature for higher production is

30-35˚C in daytime and 10-15˚C at night.

Corn requires 500-800 mm of rain through out the planting season. The quantity

of water should be supplied either through an irrigation system or coordinated with the local

rainy season.

4.2 Soil Factor

Corn that is planted in the suitable land and easy to be managed is potentially to

produce better outcome. Thorough intensive management is needed if the crop is planted in a

middle suitable ground for ensuring a profitable production. The natures and suitability of land

for corn as shown in Table 5.

The suitable land or soil for corn should be profiled more than 50 cm, with good

aeration and drainage, soil pH between 5.0 - 6.5 and LOM to the LOM textured silt containing

organic matters exceeds 1.5%. Land with a slope exceeding 12˚ is not suitable for planting corn.

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Soils derived from the epic series of river Penambang, Tok Yong, Cempaka, Lundang - Medang

as well as series of hill land such as Serdang and Bungor is appropriate.

Table 5: Nature - the nature and suitability of land for Corn Crops

Soil PropertiesSuitability of land for corn

Appropriate Medium fit

Gradient 0 - 6 ˚ -

Drainage Improper drain to drain Very drain

Effective soil depth > 50 cm 25 - 50 cm

Texture and structure Apart from sand and clay that is not structured

Sand and clay that is not structured

Salinity <1 dS / m 1 - 2 dS / m

Depth of sulphate acid layers from the soil surface

> 50 cm 25 - 50 cm

The thickness of peat No obstacle -

Hard substances soil No demarcation for the first 50 cm Rocks found at a depth of 25-50 cm

Inbalance minerals No poisoning from micro nutrients and Cation Exchange Capacity (CPC) that is exceed 10 smol (+) / kg soil

Exchange Capability (CPC) that is less than 10 smol (+) / kg soil

Note: CPC is ability of soil to hold cations such as K, Ca, Mg and Na in the form available to plants.

5.0 AGRICULTURAL DEED

Agriculture practice is one of the main aspects of Good Agricultural Practices

(GAP) to control and reduce the hazards, risks and negative impact on agricultural production

activities. This management system involves the management of land, agricultural inputs and

farm activities leading to the GAP activities in an area to improve the crops productivity quality,

safe food, protect workers and the environment towards sustainable agricultural development.

5.1 Work Programme

The work programs for planting Sweet Corn are shown in Table 6.

5.2 Preparations of Seeds

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Use high quality seed. Before planting, seeds must be treated with fungicides such

as thiram 80% w/w or captan 50% w/w at a rate of 3 gm/kg seed. For a better treatment effects,

treatment in high mix concentration is recommended. For example, to treat 10 kg of seeds, mix

30 gm thiram 80% w/w in 150 ml of water. Thoroughly mix the 10 kg seeds with high

concentrated mixture until all the seeds coated with pesticide mixtures. Treated seeds must be

planted in within two days.

Table 6: Sweet Corn Organized Program Works for Mineral Soil (Mas Honey Varieties - TSS)

AGE (HLT)

Job Details Input Notes

Materials Rates

-30 First Plowed. - - A depth of 22 cm

-30 To - 15

Repair/construct drains, roads and poison weeds around the box if necessary

Herbicides According to the label

The water level in the soil should always be more than 50 cm

-10 Calcify GML 1 - 3 t/ha Lime is applied if necessary to achieve the actual pH rate, based on the analysis of soil pH

-8 Second plowing - A depth of 25 cm

-2 Scattering organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer

TE Chicken droppings 12:12:17:2+TE

5 t/ha 500 kg/ha

-

-1 Rotary plow - -

0 Planting Seeds 10 kg/ha The seeds are planted as deep as 3 - 5 cm

1 Spraying herbicides for pre-growing weeds


Spray on all over with the row of corn

1 Poisoning weeds around the box


-

18 Poisoning weeds Herbicides According to the label

Spray on all over with the row of corn

20 Fertilizing Urea 130 kg/ha Scatter 15 cm from the row of corn

40 Fertilizing Urea 130 kg/ha Scatter 15 cm from the row of corn

50 Poisoning weeds around the box


-

70 to 84 Collecting, storing up, grading - - Collection of corn in every 2

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and marketing Fresh Corn days must be marketed at once

5.3 Preparation of Planting Areas

Methods of land preparation depend on the situation of cultivated land.

Dish plowing with depth of 20 cm to 25 cm and rotary plowing before planting should be done

once in the new area. Period between the first and second plowing preferably is more than three

weeks to the area with long coarse grass or a lot of waste plant. Third plowing can be done one

week after the second plowing. For new areas, the roots and plant residues that decay slower

need to be collectd and gathered outside the planting/crops area before the second plowing is

done.

Cleaning of Plowing Area

Main purpose of plowing is to:

i. Destroyed/Killed the weeds

ii. Cultivated the soil

iii. Simplify the work of farm operations such as creating boundaries and planting

iv. Reduce the problem of pest and disease attack

Planting without plowing is done on the existing lines for the cultivation of

vegetables such as cabbage and others. Weeds are controlled by spraying herbicides. Fertilizer

and lime can be spread on the ground only. However, planting without plowing is not

recommended to be practiced continuously. Corn is very sensitive to aluminum toxicity. Content

of dissolved aluminum in the soil depends on soil pH. Content decreased when soil pH

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increased. Most of the land/soil in the tropical area has a low pH, action should be taken to

increased the pH so could prevent from aluminum toxicity.

The growth of corn high in soil which the pH percentage is increased until

saturation of aluminum in the soil solution is less than 20% and this varies depending on the type

of soil. Percentage of saturated aluminum in a soil with high organic content is lower compared

to the soil with low organic content at the same pH. Thus, the pH to be achieved for organic soil

is lower than a soil with low organic content. Depending on the type of soil, the minimum pH to

be achieved is 4.5 to 6.5. Calcification is done if necessary before plowing the first time or

second time. Lime is applied evenly and limestone (GML), which is needed, can be estimated

based on the aluminium content dissolved in the soil. Aluminum content is measured in units’

centimol (cmol).

Rate of lime (t/ha) = 1.5 x content of dissolved aluminum (cmol/kg soil)

Due to complicated process in determining the dissolved aluminium content in

soil sampels compared to the measuring of soil pH, therefore soil pH reading is usually used to

estimate the lime required. Berasaskan kelas tekstur tanah kadar keperluan kapur adalah

sebagaimana di dalam Jadual 7. Referring to the soil texture classes, lime requirement rate is as

in Table 7. Soil pH should be measured annually and additional calcification made if necessary.

It should be noted also that the granting of excessive lime, especially in sandy soils may cause

the elements of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, S and P are in the form not available and can not be absorbed

by corn plants.

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Table 7: Rate of Lime by Soil Texture Class (t/ha)

Limits Increases of pH value

Sand & Sand Lom

Soil Texture Class

Lom Silt Silt Lom Clay Turf

From 4.5 to 5.5 0.7 1.2 2.8 2.8 3.7 8.2

From 5.5 to 6.5 1 1.7 2.4 3.5 4.7 8.5

5.4 Clascification

Calcification activities need to be carried out because most of the soil in Malaysia

has a pH less than 5.0. The value of pH less than 5.0 will affected the plant growth directly.

When the decreasing of pH, the ion H + could warped the absorbance of the cation by the tree

roots. Therefore, be inhibited plant growth, especially in the acidic soil. This is related to the

saturation of aluminum (Al) to the soil particles. Acidic soil or a low pH soil can caused toxicity

of Al, Mn toxicity and the lack of macro nutrients such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg),

potassium (K) and micro elements such as copper (Cu), beron (B) and zinc (Zn). Thus, lime is

used to increase soil pH. Suitable pH value for the cultivation of maize is 5.5 to 6.5.

Calcification must be done two weeks before planting. Classification is normally

done during the hijacking to the mixing process between the soil and lime can be implemented.

A calcification material suitable and readily available is Ground Magnesium Limestone (GML).

For newly opened areas (other than peat soils and acid sulphate), lime at a rate of 3-5 tons / ha is

recommended for most soils in Malaysia. As a reference, to improve the soil pH, the rate of lime

to be used in GML is as shown in Table 8. For other land such as peat soils and acidic soils,

calcification can be done once in a year. However, for peat soils and acidic soils in which each

has a pH < 4.5 and pH < 3.5, calcification needs to be done twice in a year. Lime is not required

for soil pH> 5.5.

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Table 8: Rate of Lime Requirements (Land)

Soil pH GML Requirements (tonnes/ha)

> 5.5 -

5.0 - 5.5 2.5

4.5 - 5.0 5.0

<4.5 7.5

5.5 Planting at the Farm

The recommended planting density for Sweet Corn production was 30.000 plants

per hectare. A total of 10 kg of seeds needed for planting a hectare of corn. Recommended

planting distance of manually planting is 45 cm between rows and 60 cm in the row. The seeds

are planted as deep as 3-5 cm depending on soil and weather conditions. Normally, seeds are

planted not too deep in moist soil and in the rainy season. Put three seeds in one hole. Spacing is

done 12-14 days after planting. Leave only two trees for a hole. Stitching is not recommended if

the estimated more than 50% germination for embroidery tree that grows in between the original

trees are usually not able to compete with indigenous trees and it will produce a small boulders.

5.6 Manure Application

Corn requires sufficient fertilizers in order to produce high quality results. Corn fertilizer

recommendations on various types of soil are shown in Table 9. Fertilizer application rates

should be increased by 20-30% if the corn is planted in sandy soil. Organic matters promoted the

use of materials and less fertile sandy soils the recommended rate is about 10-20 tonnes / ha. For

soil, use of organic is excluded and if necessary can be done two seasons at all. Grant organan

materials can be carried out during the preparation of the final plowing.

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Table 9: Tax Corn Crop Fertilization Based Type of Soil/Land

Soil TypeTime

ManuringType of Fertilizer Rates How to fertilize

1. Land/Soil Mineral

7 HST Organic fertilizer (chicken manure)

3-5 tons/ha Plowed into the soil

1 HST 12:12:17:2 500 kg / ha Mixed into the soil

20 HLT Urea 46% N 130 kg / ha Spread 15 cm from the line and mix

40 HLT Urea 46% N 130 kg / ha Spread 20 cm from the line and mix

2. BRIS Soil 7 HST Organic fertilizer (chicken manure)

10-20 tonnes / ha

Plowed into the soil

1 HST 12:12:17:2 250 kg / ha Mixed into the soil

15 HLT Urea 46% N 130 kg / ha Spread 15 cm from the line and mix the soil

30 HLT Urea 46% N 12:12:17:2

130 kg / ha, 250 kg / ha

Spread 20 cm from the line and mix the soil

45 HLT Urea 46% N 130 kg / ha Spread 20 cm from the line and mix the soil

3. Organic Soil 1 HST 12:12:17:2 250 kg / ha Mixed into the soil

30 HLT Urea 46% N 12:12:17:2

210 kg / ha, 250 kg / ha

Spread 25 cm from the line and mix the soil

5.7 Water Management

5.7.1 Irrigation

Corn crop requires an average rainfall of 500-800 mm during the season for 120

days. Enough moisture in the early stages (within 18 days after planting until plant) and

flowering stage (40-70 days after planting) is required because if lack of water in the early stages

will result in lack of proliferation and death of trees. Lack of water between 20-40 days after

planting can cause stunted plant growth and affect the outcome. Drought at flowering stage can

reduce the filling of the corncob.

Signs of water shortage can be seen if the leaves roll in the morning even for trees

in the appearance of growth. For trees that were flowering, the leaves will wither away. Water

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shortages problems can be overcome by planting corn in the appropriate season. However,

irrigation is needed if the drought stricken at this critical stage or planting in the dry season.

Watering using plastic pipe is the cheapest way to save money, but needs more manpower for

operations over water. For commercial cultivation of irrigated using the stain or sprinkles system

is recommended. Type sprinklers are suitable for use with the operating pressure range of 2.0 -

3.0 kg / cm 2 with a flow rate spatter 0.3 - 1.0 l / sec and splash of the diameter range 25-30 m. A

pump with 5.0 hp engine power can carry eight points sprinklers with a flow rate of 0.65 liters /

sec at the same time. The distance between the sprinklers points suggested is 18 mx 12 m or 15

mx 15 m.

The frequency and quantity of water needed is depending on the tree size, soil

texture, and organic content in the soil, topography and duration of drought faced. Soil moisture

status can be determined by tensiometer device. Tensiometer is fitted with a sensor point 30 cm

from ground level. Tensiometer readings were given in the centibar. Status of moisture content

of the soil based to the tensiometer readings are shown in Table 10. Land that has a smooth

texture such as clay capable of holding more water that can be used by the trees compared to soil

with coarse texture like coarse sand. Therefore, the soil should be irrigated with coarse sand and

clay to be watered only when the water tension was increased to 50 centibar. that gross texture

land to be watered more often than the soil with fine texture. For medium textured soil with

frequent watering is needed is expected in two or three days once in the dry season.

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Table 10: Reading Tensiometer and Soil Moisture Status

Tensiometer reading (Centibar) Soil texture

Rough Sand Fine Sand Lom Clay0 Water Saturated Soil

0-10 Excess water in Soil10-20 Soil moisture at field capacity20-30 Adequate soil moisture30-40

Needs Irrigationand good ventilation

40-5050-60

5.7.2 Drainage

In addition to irrigation in the dry season, irrigation during the rainy season is also

very important to ensure good plant growth. As a general rule, specification and design of farm

drainage system as in Table 11 may be practiced. The water level in the soil should be at least

greater than 50 cm above the soil surface during planting season. The effect of water

accumulation is most apparent in the tree is still small. Corn with less than six leaves will die if

the water retention period beyond 24 hours. Trees in the ground are too wet to show signs of

nitrogen deficiency because the active denitrifikasi ditakungi ground water. In low areas, other

than to provide good water drainage, cultivation using line of row is recommended. If an

effective drainage system can not be provided, especially in the abandoned paddy land, the

planting should be avoided.

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Table 11: Specification and Design of Field Drainage System

Type of SoilDistance between drains

(m)Slope Depth (m)

Bottom Width(m)

Drainage Design

Sandy Lom 175-200 1:1 0.90 1:20

Clays and Silts

60-80 0.5:1 0.75 12:50

Organic 40-60 0.25:1 1:20 12:30

6.0 DISEASE AND PEST MANAGEMENT

6.1 Disease Control

Maize crops in Malaysia face a number of diseases, but so far there has not spread

attack records. Occurrence of these diseases happens everywhere and rarely requires treatment at

the farm level if properly implemented agricultural practice, especially seed treatment. The study

by the Institute of Seed Pathology, Denmark showed the presence of several types of pathogens

in the local seed, such as Fusarium moniliforme, Drechslera maydis, Fusarium semitectum,

Cephalosporium acremonium and Nigrospora spp. However, seed treatment with an appropriate

fungicide before planting can overcome this problem. At the farm, common diseases found were

leaf blight and rust leaf. At the farm, Common Diseases found were leaf Blight and leaf rust.

With correct culturer practices, such as farm hygiene and crop rotation, these diseases do not

need chemical control if the attack is not to exceed the economic threshold. With correct culturer

practices, such as farm hygiene and crop rotation, these Diseases do not need chemical control if

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the attack is not to exceed the economic threshold. Symptoms of the disease and control

recommendations are as follows: Symptoms of the disease and control recommendations are as

follows:

1. Pest List

No.s Type of Pest Part Attacked/symptoms Recommended Control

1

Ulat pengorek stem (Ostrinia salientialis)

Larvae dig and take part in the stem and cause the formation holes. Holes are the site of others pathogen attacked. Stools residues can be seen in the attack.

If necessary, spray with an insecticide such as Basillus thuringiensis, cypermethin or chlopyrifos with the recommended rate.

2

Ulat pengorek cobcorn (helicoverpa armigera)

Excavator caterpillar larvae dig holes corncob and cob damage by eating corn seeds at the end of young stages. Base of the corncob after attacked by the worms will be attacked by secondary pests.

If necessary, spray with an insecticide such as Basillus thuringiensis, cypermethin or chlopyrifos with the recommended rate.

3

Ulat ratus (Spodoptera litura)

Worms eat leaves, shoots and sometimes the end of the capillary and corncob. Leaves will show effect on the lace and a hole at side and it’s able to attack until remained frames.

If necessary, spray with profenofos, quinalphos or cypermethrin. Follow the instructions that appear on the label.

4

Leaves Lice (Rhopalosiphum maidis)

Worm attacked by sucking the liquid leaves, buds, flowers and leaves to eat young cob. Causing the cob change color, wilts, and encourages the presence of black mould or fungus attack but normally it does not cause serious damage.

If necessary, spray with cypermethrin, lufenuron or Deltamethrin. Follow the instructions that appear on the label.

5

Green Bedbug (Nezara viridula)

Bedbug attack leaves, flowers and suck the liquid containing in the corn seeds until become black

If necessary, spray with cypermethrin, lufenuron or Deltamethrin. Follow the instructions that appear on the label.

Caterpillar Excavator Stick

2. List of Diseases

No.s Type of diseases Part Attacked/symptoms Recommended Controls

1 Downy Kulapok - caused by the fungus Scerophthora

The disease can be identified by the yellow stripes on the leaves above and followed by the formation of mold, signs of rot and brown, stunted growth and lack of grain

Th desease destroy diseased plants and the use of disease-free seed

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rayssiae var.zeae formation.

2 Leaf rust, caused by fungus Puccinia polysora / Puccinia sorghi

2 mm spots yaws fine orange/stainless steel leaf surface resulting in the leaves of a hot and humid kering.Temperatures increasing incidence of this disease.

Destroy diseased plants, practice crop rotation, and make sure the cleaner is well drained. Sprayed fungicide such as copper oxyyclorid or mancozeb following the recommended rate.

3 Leaf blight, caused by the fungus Drechslera maydia

Young brown spots, oval or elongated up to 2.5cm in between the leaf veins. Always found at any season.

Destroy the plants attacked by diseases, use of disease-free seeds, crop rotation practice, make sure well drained and control with fungicide such as benomyl or mancozeb, if necessary.

4 Leaf shealth, leaf-blight fungus Rhizoctonia solani disebkan by

Infection of the leaves causing spots on seludang/leaf shealth. Oval-long gray color spots surrounded with dark brown stripe. Spots growth and color become dark and started producing sklerotia (black pips) in the spots. In high humidity, misillium fungi easily infected the leaves shealth and any leaves that is in contact.

Destroy or killed the trees that are infected, practice crop rotation and ensure that drained in best condition. If necessary, controlled by using pesticides benomyl at recommended dose. Avoid usage of excessive N fertilizers.

5 Leaf spots, caused by the fungus Curvularia lunata curvularia

Round spots 1-2 mm, yellowish brown with brown edges and there is a yellow circle around.

Destroy diseased plants, practice crop rotation, ensure cleaned and well drained.

6 Smut - caused by fungi ustilago maydis

Fungi form a itself at the corn kernels, like a ball shaped. Blackish spora blanketing the kernel, leaf and other parts. Serious infection occured during heavy rain.

Destroy by planting or burn the fruit/ tree/stump after collecting yield or product. Not to be given to livestocks or animals due to poisonous.

7 Bacterial attacked stem causing to rot by Erwinia carotovora-

Tree decay, rotten and wet. Smell badly at the infected parts.

Destroyed plants that is infected, burned crop waste, practice crop rotation, and choose area with better drained for planting.

8 Burned effect to seedlings - caused by the fungus Fusarium sp Phytium rhizoctonia sp or sp

There burned effect on the part of seeds that is embedded in the soil. Fungus causing the seeds bad before germinates or it may germinates but infected with fungus.

Destroyed infected crops. Practice crop rotation, create good drainage and treat the seeds with thiram or captan at a recommended dose before planting.

In general, pest management for corn can be divided into two stages, the stages of

potential growth and the production of corncob stages. Corn is attacked by the stem excavator

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from seedlings stage to the expansion of cob. But the attack on crops during three to seven weeks

that should be worried more. Trees that are grown above this age are usually resistant to attack

and control measures are not needed after the male flowers grown. Starting from week three to

seven after planting, plants should be checked every week. When 10% of the trees found

attacked by worms, spraying pesticide/herbicide action should be taken. As the sweet corn grown

for fresh consumption, protection and careful control of the quality of the corncobs is very

important because the damage that occurs can affect the quality of revenue and the selling price.

To determine the pest population levels by using the following method:

Randomly select a number of sampling stations in the area planted. The number of stations

depending on the area planted. Many stations will give more accurate results but will take longer

for the census. Typically, three stations per hectare are sufficient to give satisfactory levels of

pest populations. Each station consists of twenty trees in a row. Check each tree and determine

the percentage of trees containing the pest concerned. Calculate the length of all stations in the

area surveyed.

Control measures will take part when only if the number exceeds the level of pest

damage. If the plants made in phases, the pest population level survey to be made in different

stages. Usually, the small stage maggots will be at outer surface exposed to the poison sprayed

and easily controlled. Maggots, which are larger and sheltered in the trees part (stems or cobs)

are more difficult to be controlled by spraying with pesticides.

Recommended poison and methods of poisoning corn pest as shown in Table 12

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Table 12: Types of pesticides and methods recommended.

Type of Pest Name of Pest Pesticide Recommended

Method of Poisoning

Stem excavators, caterpillar eating leaves

Ostrinia salientalis, Spodoptera litura

Chiorpyrifos, Diazinon, Cypermethrin

Spray pesticide when an action threshold level (ATL)

Caterpillar excavator fruits / caterpillar excavator corncobs

Helicoverpa armigera, Ostrinia, Furnacalis

Bacillus thuringiensis, Deltamethrin

Spray on the cobs at flowering stage, repeat after a week if necessary

6.3 Weeds Control

Weeds control program is suggested below. However, the types of pesticides are

used depending on the type of weeds found in the boxes. Usage of suitable herbicides for pre-

growth stages. Spray evenly with the row of corn per hectare in 450-600 liters of water

immediately after planting. For the broad leaf weeds, chemical control at the age of 17-19 days

of a tree can be done using appropriate herbicides. Poison does not have a negative effect on corn

plants if the spray is made before 19 days after planting, ie at the level of corn has four leaves

were fluffy yarned.

6.4 Prohibited Period Revenue Collection

Areas that use pesticides can cause side effects on the environment and health of

consumers in the long run. Spraying should be done prudently. Follow the recommended order

of use as well as follow Prohibited Period Revenue Collection (PPRC) specified in the pesticide

product label.

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7.0 MATURITY AND COLLECTION OF REVENUE

7.1 Maturity Results

Corn-ears for the cultivars, recommended cultivars are harvested composite

between 60 to 70 days after planting. Corn hybrids, such as Honey Jean No. 2 flowered earlier

and began to be collected 60 to 65 days after planting. Appropriate corncob collected as fresh

corn when the kernel has reached the maximum size but not yet showing signs of shrink.

Corncob at this stage has brown hairs. However, the color of hair and tree is affected by fertility

status. Fertile trees and receiving high nitrogen rate the corncob capillary hair slowly turn brown.

Corncobs from a more fertile tree are usually mature earlier than other trees.

7.2 Revenue Collection

Revenue collection should be done every two days. It may be continued for 2

weeks. Only the confirmed ear-ears were filled only to be market. This can be determined by

way of holding it in your palm and feel the solid boulders. Trees were harvested to facilitate the

harvesting broken next.

For the recommended cultivars, usually every tree only produced one cob if

grown with a density of 40.000 to 50.000 plants/ha. If found the percentage of trees producing

two corncob per plant is high, this indicates that the tree density is too low. For corns that

produce two boulders, the second boulders, the cob at the bottom one oftenly is poor quality.

With good care, will give a large boulders (more than 30 g/cob), and it could reached 25.000

boulders per hectare. When mixed with the medium-sized boulders estimated total of boulders to

be market are 30,000 cobs per hectare.

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8.0 HARVEST OF PAST PRODUCTION

8.1 Storage of Product

When sweet corn harvested, the cob is still alive and active, continuing all the

biological activity such as breathing, heat and sweat, for cobs that have not been collected, the

metabolic substrate and water lost through metabolic activity will be replaced by trees through

photosynthesis and absorption through the roots. Replacement of metabolic substrates are no

longer occurs when the maize is harvested and corncob entirely depending on reserves food and

moisture, which it had to bear the subsequent metabolic activity. Thus, the quality of the

harvested corncob will be degraded when stored longer. Proper handling after harvest is

necessary to slow down the metabolic activity so that the quality of corn can be kept for a longer

period.

The corncobs are not advisable to be pile up high in a long period, as the

temperature at the center of the pile will increase. Research by MARDI, shows the temperature

at the center of the pile can raise from 30˚C to 34˚C in two hours. Increased of temperature will

accelerate the decline in the quality cobs. Sugar contents will decreased rapidly if the boulders

are pile high up or exposed to heat. In normal circumstances, the boulders can be stored for 24-

36 hours without affecting the quality of the ketara. Corncob for the domestic market does not

require special storage facilities if the results can be quickly marketed. For the local market, the

revenue of corn can be done after four o'clock. Cobs are filled in the plastic bags or baskets and

transported to destinations in the evening so that sales can be conducted in the morning the next

day.

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Proper handling of corn after harvest is needed if the cobs had to be stored for

longer periods. Corncob can be stored up to three weeks at 3 - 5˚C without compromising

quality. For this purpose, the cobs are clean, quickly graded and cooled quickly by soaking the

ear in water at a temperature of 1 - 3˚C. Through this process, the corncobs temperature can be

reduced to10˚C. The cooled cobs are wrapped in polyethylene film or put in a perforated

polyethylene bags and kept in a cold room at a temperature of 0 - 15˚C.

8.2 Marketing

Outcome from the farm usually sold to the buyer based on the numbers of cobs or bags. Prices

offered are according to the grade and current prices and no specific standards to grade the

corncob. However, for composit corn, cobs weight including cobs skin that exceed 300 grams, in

full content, free from insects and disease and with the boulders maturity suitable to be placed in

high-grade category. The normal hybrid corn grown by farmers, although more uniform in size

but it is smaller. Weight of a high-grade corncob hybrids, usually in the range of 250 to 325

grams. Sweet corn sold to consumers in the form of boulders in the form of fresh or cooked.

Sales of fresh corn conducted at the local market, including supermarket or departmental store.

Corns sold in supermarkets often have been cleaned and packed, and sold at a high price. Corns

are also sold in the form of cooked food including boiled corn or baked maize. The sales are

done at food stalls as well as by hawkers in the public places.

9.0 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

9.1 Cost of Production

In general the production cost estimates are shown in Table 13. Production costs

divided by fixed costs and variable cost. Fixed cost including land taxation and depreciation of

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irrigation system and agricultural implements used, which is non-cash expenses. Land taxation is

at RM167/musim/tahun (3 seasons). Depreciation of agricultural equipment and machinery is

estimated at RM2, 000.00 per year.

Variable costs included the cost of materials input and labour costs. Seeds cost,

fertilizr, weedkiller, various pesticides and other inputs such as diesel, engine oil, sacks, ropes

and many others. The total cost of input materials is estimated at RM 3,402.30/ha/musim. Labour

cost to carry out all farm activities including cleaning and plowing soil. It is estimated at

RM2,110.00/ha/musim. Total production cost is RM5, 879.30/ha/musim.

9.2 Yield and Price

The average yield of marketable quality corncob is 30.000 hectare. Sweet corn

prices at the farm often face fluctuations affected by the factors of quality and quantity of corn

supply. In the year 1988 - 1992, Sweet Corn prices are between RM0.08/cob and RM 0.25/cob at

the farm level. Nowadays at the farm level sweet corn prices is RM 0.30/cob.

9.3 Viability Planting Sweet Corn

Summary of economic analysis Sweet Corn planting is screening as shown in Table 13.

With 30.000 production of corncobs/ha and gross of RM0.30/cob, gross income is

RM9,000.00 ha/season, and by taking into account the costs involved in the production of net

income estimated at RM 3,120.70 ha/season. At RM 0.30/cob and production of 30.000 cobs/ha,

for every income on every investment returns is RM0.19.

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Table 12: Estimated cost of sweet corn production per hectare

Planting distance : 0.45 m x 0.6 m

Number of trees : 30,000 trees.

Harvesting period : 60 - 70 days after planting in the farm

Matter QuantityPrice

(RM)/UnitValue Cost

(RM)

A. Gross Income 30,000/cobs 0.3/cobs 9,000.00

B. Cost

I. Material Input Costs

1. Benih Seed 10 Kg 5/Kg 50.00

2. Fertilizer

a. Lime b. Chicken Fecesc. NPK 12:12:17:2 d. Urea

3 tons 5 tons 0.5 tons 0:26 tan

160/tan 200/tan 1,500 tonne 1,300/tonne

480.00 1,000.00 750.00 338.00

3. Chemical Poisons

a. Insecticides b. Fungicide c. Herbicides

(Pre-growth + Post growth)

3 liter 2 kg 8 liters

65/liter16/kg 19/liter

195.00 32.00 152.00

4. Materials

a. Petroleum @ 2 liters of fuel/day 1.6 liter 96.00

5. Input 10% of total material costs 309.30

Subtotal I 3,402.30

II. Labour costs

1. Land preparation and limits 2. Planting/embroidering 3. Flush 4. Become strong 5. Weed control 6. Controlling insects, diseases7. Collection of production income

Contract

12 th 9 th10 th10 th10 th

30 th30 th30 th30 th 30 th

400.00

360.00 270.00 300.00 300.00 300.00

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6 th 30 th 180.00

Sub-total II 2,110.00

III.Fixed Costs

I. Land Taxation 3 season / year

2. Depreciation of Sprinkle Irrigation Equipment

3 season/year 167/year

2,000.00/ton

167.00

200.00

Subtotal III 367.00

Total Production Cost (I + II + III)

5,879.30

C. Income

1. Total Revenue (RM)2. Total Production Costs 3. Net Income 4. B/C Ratio 5. Break-Even Price (Cost/cob)

9,000.00 5,879.30 3,120.70

1:53 0.19

Table 13: Summary of Economic analysis Planting Sweet Corn Cultivars Composite

a. The average corncob production = 30,000/h/season b. The average farm price = RM 0.30/cob c. Gross income (axb) = RM9, 000.00/ha/season d. Total production costs = RM5, 879.30/ha/season e. Net income (c - d) = RM3, 120.70 f. Benefit cost ratio (c: d) = 1:53 g. Break-even price (d / a) = 0.19

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References:

1. Aldrich, SR, WO Scott, ERLeng, 1976 Modern Corn Production, A & L Publications,

Station A, Box F, Champaign, Illinois 61820.

2. A. Ahmad, AR, NA Wahab, A. Kamarudin & CC Ting. Kamarudin 1990 Acidity

Amendments and Crop Responses to Liming Of Malaysian Soils, Special Report,

Serdang : MARDI

3. Anon. 1977 A Compendium of Corn Diseases. 1977 A Compendium of Corn Diseases.

The American Phytopatho-logical Society, 3340 Pilot Knob Road, St. Paul, MN 55121

4. Anon. 1991 Manual Prosedur Pengeluaran Biji Benih Jagung, Nota Panduan, Perak :

Jabatan pertanian Negeri Perak : Unpublished

5. Anon. 1993 Jagung Manis: Panduan Pengeluaran Tanaman Jangka Pendek. Serand,

MARDI.

6. Galinat, WC 1979 Botany and Origin of Maize, In ‘Maize’: Technical Monograph Ciba-

Geigy Ltd. Ciba. ,Basle, Switzerland, p. 6 – 12

7. Jabatan Pertanian. 1995a Perangkaan Keluasan Tanaman Semenanjung Malaysia 1984 –

1993. Kuala Lumpur. Jabatan Pertanian Semenanjung Malaysia

8. Jabatan Pertanian. 1995a Perangkaan Keluasan Tanaman Semenanjung Malaysia 1994.

Kuala Lumpur. Jabatan Pertanian Semenanjung Malaysia

9. Jabatan Pertanian. 1995a Perangkaan Keluasan Tanaman Semenanjung Malaysia 1995.

Kuala Lumpur. Jabatan Pertanian Semenanjung Malaysia

10. Wong IFT 1986 Soil-Crop Suitability Classification for Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala

Lumpur. Jabatan Pertanian Semenanjung Malaysia.

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Corn Field

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