Life Cycle of Maize

Maize is a cereal crop. It contains carbohydrates which are needed by both humans and animals for energy. Maize is used to produce close to 50% of carbohydrate foods in Ghana. It is used to prepare banku, porridge, kenkey, tuo-zaafi among others. It grows well in loamy soil. Maize grows well directly on the field just like okro.

Maize reproduces sexually each year. A minimum of 2-3 seeds are placed in a hole of 4-5cm deep. The planting arrangement must be well done in order to allow aeration and prevent overcrowding. The spacing is averagely 80-90cm between rows and 50-60cm between holes. Maize takes 90-120 days to be fully matured.

Maize can be used after harvesting but are normally dried for pest control.

There are several types of maize. They are called the varieties of maize. Some are listed below.

• Okomasa

• Abeleeli

• Tamale yellow

• Abinotia

Importance of Maize

• It is used to prepare staple foods such as kenkey for the Gas

• It is a source of starch

• It is used to feed animals. Example; hens.