Major disease seen in Maize

Zea mays L.( Maize) is the second important staple food crops in Nepal after paddy in terms of its production.so,it is also known as “ Queen of cereals” as well as the “opportunity grain” in western part due to its great role in food and nutritional security.It is supposed to be originated from central America and Mexico in about 10,000 years ago.Now,it contributes 3% to National GDP and 7% to AGDP according to FAO,2009.In the country ,it covers 80% of total maize area ( 70% in mid hills and 10% in high hills). It is rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and other nutrients.so,most of people used it as food in their diet.The food such as bread (roti) ,dhindo or aanto,satoo ,popcorn as well as baby corn vegetables,corn oil,corn flake and beverage making.Apart from this,it is also used as livestock feed for the animals, biofuels and raw materials in the industry.

Zea mays L.( Maize) comes under family Graminae.There are mainly six species amoung which may is the popular sub species of maize.The four subspecies of zeamays are: Z.mays huetenangensis ,Z.mays Mexicana ,Z.mays parviglumis and Z.mays mays .It is pre- dominant in rainfed area or Bari land in hilly farming system in Nepal. It is cultivated upto 4000 masl from terai to high hill region with an average
rainfall of 600 mm throughout the growing period.It requires the fertile soil which is rich in organic matter content to sow the different varieties of maize like; Manakamana series, Rampur composite, Gaurav hybrid -1 , Arun-2,4,6 ,Ganesh-1 and so on.Before sowing it should be treated with chemical like bavistin or vitavex@ 2.5 g/kg.

The different diseases that are seen in maize with their causal organisms as well as it’s prevention are:

For the prevention or to get rid from different diseases, weeding should be done two times,it should be provided with good water facility, different sprayer like knapsake and foot sprayer should be sprayed and multi boom and flat fan nozzle should be done.

The harvesting and post harvest is done by:

1. The removal of husk from the ear.
2. By using serrated sickle,corn harvester,corn reaper.
3. By doing the processes like drying, cleaning, packaging and storage.
4. In drying,the grain is sun dried on the threshing floor for 2-3 days.
5. Cleaning is the separation of underside material from grain.
6. Packaging should be done in air proof bags to protect the seed from insects,pest and major disease.
7. At last storage is done and the yield depends on yield potential of the varieties, management practices and environmental factors.

Nutshell,inspite knowing the importance,uses and it’s benefits to human as well as animal feed and fodder we should be aware of the diseases that affects the maize to increase the productivity of maize in a best way .As it is a good source of nutrition and phytochemical compound which play important role in preventing the chronic diseases that affects the human beings.Based on health benefits of maize discussed in this article under the topic of different diseases seen on maize by controlling or eradicating this diseases, insects and pest that directly or indirectly affect the productivity of maize and can recommended or take maize in our daily life.