recommended production practices for maize in ghana. …

Recommended Production Practices for Maize in Ghana. CSIR/AGRA

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Recommended Production

Practices for Maize

In Ghana


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TABLE OF CONTENT Introduction ............................................................................................ 1

Site Selection .......................................................................................... 2

Land Preparation ..................................................................................... 3

Varieties .................................................................................................. 4

Table 1 Agronomic characteristics of some recommended maize

varieties for cultivation in Ghana ........................................................... 5

Planting ................................................................................................... 6

Table 2 Recommended seeding rate after germination test .................... 7

Table 3 Suggested planting dates for maize in Ghana ............................ 8

Fertilizer application ............................................................................... 9

Weed Management ............................................................................... 11

Precaution for the safe use of agrochemicals: ...................................... 13

Control of Striga in Maize .................................................................... 13

Pests and disease control ...................................................................... 14

Stem Borers .......................................................................................... 15

Symptoms ............................................................................................. 15

Management ......................................................................................... 15

Maize Streak ......................................................................................... 16

Symptoms ............................................................................................. 16

Management ......................................................................................... 16

Harvest .................................................................................................. 16

Storage .................................................................................................. 17

References and further reading ............................................................. 18


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Introduction

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the principal staple crop, produced and

consumed by most farming households in Ghana. It is produced

predominantly by smallholder resource poor farmers under rain-fed

conditions. The crop is well adapted and grows in most of the

ecological zones of Ghana including the northern savannah. It provides

a major source of calories in many parts of Ghana. It has nearly

replaced traditional staple crops like sorghum and pearl millet in

northern Ghana. An average maize grain yield on farmers’ fields is

about 1.7 t/ha as against an estimated achievable yield of about 6.0 t/ha

(MoFA, 2011).

The major limiting factors to maize production in Ghana include

drought during critical early stages of crop growth, low soil nutrient

level (particularly nitrogen and phosphorus), striga, and pest and

diseases infestations. Other limitations to maize production include

poor management practices such as low plant populations, inappropriate

planting time, inadequate control of weeds, lack of credit, limited use

of inputs (especially fertilizer and improved seeds) as well as untimely

application of adequate quantities of fertilizers, inadequate drying and

storage facilities leading to high post-harvest losses and poor market

access.

One of the major steps towards improving maize productivity in Ghana

is the provision of extension advice to agricultural extension agents and

farmers on good agronomic practices of maize production, hence the

need to compile a production guide for the crop. This production guide

therefore provides simplified good agricultural practices for maize

production in more diverse areas of the country. This is to ensure that

farmers maximize the return from their investment in maize. Successful


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production of maize to a large extent depends on the timely adherence

to all the recommended steps as outlined in this guide.

Site Selection

Maize adapts well to different soil types with a pH range of 5.0 -7.0.

High yields are obtained from maize planted on deep, fine-structured,

well-aerated, well-drained loamy soils that are rich in organic matter.

Shallow sandy or clayey soils should be avoided whenever possible as

they are more affected by drought and reduce response to fertilizer

application. Maize does not perform well in waterlogged soils,

therefore, all sites prone to water-logging should be avoided. If such

fields cannot be avoided then drain any areas where water ponds by

digging channels to direct water away from the field. Proper drainage

allows for early cultivation, better weed control and reduces the

likelihood of nutrient leaching. Low lying areas usually have poor

drainage and water logging will reduce yield.

Maize has to be grown in full sunlight for efficient photosynthesis.

Avoid planting maize in shady areas. Yield will decrease with reduction

in the amount of sunlight that reaches the plant. If possible, check the

fertility status of the choice site before maize is plant. Visual

assessment may be misleading, always take a representative soil test to

determine fertility and pH levels. Take soil samples from the field

before land preparation for laboratory analysis at recognized soil

analysis laboratories across the country: (CSIR- Savanna Agricultural

Research Institute, Tamale, CSIR– Soil Research Institute, Kumasi and

others in universities across the country). During soil sampling, ensure

that the soil sample is free of plant or crop debris and large root pieces.

For a one hectare plot, take at least 20 core samples 15-30cm deep at

different portions of the field ensuring the entire field is covered. Air


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dry, mix the core samples together and take 1kg of the composite

sample to the laboratory for analysis.

Land Preparation

For rapid germination, maize seeds need a soil that is warm, moist, well

supplied with air, and fine enough to give good contact between seed

and soil. Good seed to soil contact is necessary so that the seed can

absorb moisture from the soil. A good seedbed should consist of 5 to 7

cm of fine firm soil that is free from weeds. The rest of the soil profile

should not contain hardpans and compacted layers from over-

cultivation, which can reduce moisture penetration and root growth.

Land preparation therefore aims at a loose, deep soil with a sufficiently

fine tilth to allow an even seeding and uniform emergence. The land

can be prepared manually or mechanically depending on the cropping

history of the field. For fallowed land, slash and burn cut vegetation.

On land which has been cropped the previous year, farmers in northern

Ghana with access to tractors should plough once and supplement it by

harrowing once before planting. Planting on ridges is recommended on

shallow soils. If grassy weeds are a problem, the weeds should be killed

by spraying with glyphosate (e.g. Roundup), at recommended rate 7

days before ploughing. This will kill the grass to the root and suppress

their regrowth. To reduce erosion on sloping fields, ploughing should

be done across the slope rather than up and down the slope. The use of

heavy machinery can lead to serious soil degradation and cause

dramatic yield decline after only 3-4 years of continuous cultivation.

Ploughing by oxen degrades the soil less than by tractor, but in some

areas the use of oxen is seriously constrained by various factors.

In southern Ghana, farmers can slash with a cutlass to ground level and


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plant directly into the resulting mulch. Avoid burning because the

decaying weeds and crop residues act as mulch for the maize crop. The

mulch will keep the soil cooler, reduce soil surface crusting, conserve

moisture, increase water infiltration, reduce soil erosion as well as weed

emergence. If grassy weeds are on the field remove stubbles with hoe

after cutting with cutlass. Alternatively, maize can be established under

a no-tillage system where the stubble is retained from the previous crop,

provided the field is relatively even and kept free from weeds by hand

clearing or spraying as required.

The high cost of operating tractors and the difficulty to obtain spare

parts and/or tractor services have led farmers to experiment with

reduced tillage and no-tillage technologies, especially in southern

Ghana. Apply glyphosate, at recommended rate to actively growing

green weeds and wait for 2 weeks before planting. If the grassy weeds

are standing tall, they should be slashed down to about knee high (30

cm) and allowed for re-growth before Glyphosate is applied,

remembering that sufficient green tissues are needed to absorb the

Glyphosate spray for effective control.

Varieties

Each production site has its unique production limitations (soil fertility,

annual rainfall, water storage capacity, pest and disease pressure, etc).

Similarly, maize varieties differ from one another in a number of

characteristics and every one of them has its own adaptability and yield

potential. For high stable yields, plant improved varieties that have the

right agronomic strengths for your area. For example, an early maturing

drought tolerant variety may give good yields in low rainfall areas

particularly in the Sudan savannah zone. Similarly, a late maturing

variety tolerant to common pest and diseases may give good yields in


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the Forest and Transitional zones. To make your search easier consult

your local agriculture extension agent for information on recommended

varieties suitable for planting in your area. Some recommended

varieties and their characteristics are presented in Table 1.

Table 1 Agronomic characteristics of some recommended

maize varieties for cultivation in Ghana.

Variety Type of Variety Grain Colour/

Texture

Maturity

Days

Average Yield

Tonnes/

Hectare Bags/

Acre

Wang-Dataa drought and Striga

tolerant

White/flint-

dent 90 4.7 19

Bihilifa drought tolerant Yellow/flint-

dent 90 4.6 19

Sanzal-Sima drought tolerant White/flint-

dent 110 5,4 22

Ewul-Boyu drought tolerant White/flint-

dent 110 5.6 23

Tigli drought tolerant Yellow/flint-

dent 120 5.2 21

Aburohemaa QPM drought and Striga

tolerant White/flint 95 4.5 18

Omankwa QPM drought and Striga

tolerant White/flint 95 4.5 18

Abontem QPM drought and Striga

tolerant yellow/flint 80 4.0 15

Obatanpa QPM OPV White/dent 105 4.6 19

Golden

Jubilee OPV Yellow/dent 110 5.0 20

Dorke-SR Normal White/dent 95 3.8 15

Dodzi OPV White/dent 75 3.4 14

Mamaba QPM Hybrid White/flint 110 6.0 24

Etubi Normal/hybrid White/dent 110 5.0 20

Eni-pibi QPM/Hybrid White/flint 110 5.5 22

Aseda Normal/Hybrid White/Flint-

dent 110 6.5 26

Tintim Normal/Hybrid White/Flint-

dent 110 7.5 30

OpeƐburo Normal/Hybrid White/Flint-

dent 110 7.5 30

QPM = Quality Protein maize; OPV = Open Pollinated Variety


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There are both locally adapted hybrids and open pollinated maize

varieties in Ghana. Hybrids are well suited to favourable production

environments and respond well to high management levels. Hybrids

contain improved genetics, such as high yield potential and unique trait

combinations to tolerant adverse growing conditions resulting in higher

yields than OPVs. Also, hybrids response better to fertilizer than OPVs.

However, to maintain the greatest yield advantage of hybrids, new seed

needs to be purchased every planting season. The grain from a crop

grown with hybrid seed should never be used for seed in subsequent

years. Farmers cannot replant grain as seed without yield reductions of

30 percent or more. Hybrids are uniform in maturity, plant height, and

other plant characteristics, enabling farmers to carry out certain

operations, such as harvesting, at the same time, particularly appropriate

for large scale farming. For more information on all the varieties listed

above contact the Maize Improvement Programmes of CSIR-SARI,

Tamale (0372098331/372091205) and CSIR-CRI, Kumasi.

Planting

Plant certified seed purchased from registered seed producers and seed

companies and local licensed agro-input shops. Seed is a living

organism; handle it with care to keep alive its embryo from which the

new plant will develop. Once purchased, store it in a cool, dry place

prior to planting. Avoid throwing bags containing seeds as cracked and

damaged seed is more vulnerable to microbial and fungal infections

once planted. Conduct germination test 10 days before planting to

prevent poor stand due to poor damaged seeds. To conduct your

germination test follow the steps below: Randomly select 100 healthy

seeds and sow at a depth of 5 cm in a prepared area of the field or in a

container at home (placed in the sun). Count the number of seedlings

that emerges after 8 days. Table 2 shows the number of seeds to plant


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based on the results of the germination test.

Table 2 Recommended seeding rate after germination test

Number of plants counted Number of seeds to be planted

85 or more 2 seeds per hole

70- 84 3 seeds per hole

50-70 Get better seeds

Less than 50 Do not attempt planting, get better seed

Early planting is associated with higher yields when rainfall is normal.

Planting maize early is important for the crop to utilize the entire

growing season and consequently maximize yield. The recommended

planting calendar is given in Table 3. However, the experience of

farmers in each area is the best guide. It is always safe to plant after

rains have established. With sufficient soil moisture at the beginning of

the growing season, uniformity of seedling emergence depends on seed

quality (viability, purity), seed treatment against soil-borne pathogens,

proper planting methods (depth and spacing) and correct seed quantity.

Although rainfall is less reliable at the start of the season, maize can

tolerate dry periods better during the first 3-4 weeks of growth than

later on. Plant height may be reduced but ear formation can still be

satisfactory. The crop demands maximum moisture during the tasselling

and silking stages. It is when drought stress occurs at flowering time

that yield can be reduced to almost zero. In drought conditions, the rate

of growth is decreased, the period of silking is retarded and formation

and filling of the grain is considerably reduced resulting in yield

reduction. When planting maize varieties of different maturity groups,

start with late to intermediate maturing varieties, and then plant early

and extra-early ones. Intermediate to late varieties need relatively more


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rains and days of sunlight than early maturing varieties to produce

appreciable yield.

Table 3 Suggested planting dates for maize in Ghana

Agro-ecological zone Which month to plant

Major Season

Sudan savannah End-May to early-July

Guinea savannah End-May to end-June

Transition Mid-March to end-April

Forest Early-March to end-April

Coastal savannah End-March to End-April

Minor season

Transition Mid-July to early-September

Forest Mid-July to early-September

The optimum planting density should be adjusted according to local

conditions and types of varieties to be grown. During planting, rope or

sighting poles should be used to mark the beginning and end of rows to

enable you plant in lines. You will need a minimum of 3 poles of at

least 2 meters long. Keeping in mind the more poles you use, the

straighter your rows will be. Place one at each end of where the first

row is to be and the others in between but in line with the two end

poles. Seeding rates depend on soil-fertility levels, plant spacing and

expected germination rates. If early maturing varieties are to be

planted, leave 75 cm between every two rows and 40 cm between

stands (Figure 1). For intermediate to late maturing varieties, leave 80

cm between every two rows and 40 cm between stands. Use cutlass, hoe

or a stick to make a hole 5-7 cm deep. Plant 2-4 seeds per hole

depending on the germination test. Cover the hole with soil and step on


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it with your full weight. If more than 2 plants emerged per stand,

remove extra relatively weaker ones. Higher plant population leads to

thin and barren stalks, smaller ears, lower number of kernels per ear,

increased root, stalk lodging and consequently lower yields.

Fertilizer application

Maize responds well to the application of organic manure, which

improves the physical conditions of the soil and its water retention

capacity. Mineral fertilizers will allow a quick start of the vegetative

growth and supply nutritional needs during the active plant growth.

Maize production depends heavily on mineral fertilizer, which is

sometimes supplemented by manure and by rotation with legumes.

Maize has a high requirement for nutrients especially nitrogen (N),

phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Among these major nutrients, N is

the one that most often limits yield. It determines the number of leaves

the plants produces and the number of seeds per cob, and therefore

determines yield potential. The amount of mineral fertilizer to apply

varies with the P and K content of the soil, its moisture content and the

40cm is the distance

between plants

75cm is the distance

between two rows

Figure 1. Recommended planting spacing for early

maturing varieties


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maturity period of the varieties. In addition, optimal fertilizer

requirement for maize depends on the productive potential of the

variety, the previous cropping history, cultural practices adopted and

general fertility of the field. In general, rates of applications per hectare

in Ghana average around 90 kg N. 60 kg P2O5 and 60 kg K2O. However,

fertilizer N levels up to 120 kg/ha are recommended for cultivation in

degraded soils. Have your farm soil tested to know its fertility status

and pH levels. By doing this, you will be informed about the additional

amount of fertilizer needed to meet target yields.

Beside the rate applied, application method and timing is also critical to

ensuring maximum benefit from using these fertilizers. Nitrogen easily

leaches through the soil, therefore, the total amount of nitrogen fertilizer

required should be split between two in-crop applications to ensure

nitrogen availability throughout the critical growth stages of the crop

for improved yields. In most cases, all the P and K and about two-thirds

of the N are applied basally, with the rest of the N top-dressed later.

Therefore , apply N-P-K compound fertilizer (60-60-60 kg/ha as N,

P2O5 and K2O) within 7-10 days after planting and top-dressed with 30

kg N/ha at 4-6 weeks after planting 4 weeks for early maturing

varieties or 6 weeks for intermediate to late maturing varieties).

Do not broadcast the fertilizer rather place it approximately in a hole

4 – 5 cm deep and 5-7 cm away from the plants on moist soil and cover

with soil to minimize losses, especially if urea is used (Figures 2 and 3).

Nitrogen loss through volatilization is high when urea is left uncovered.

The number of bags of each fertilizer needed per hectare depends on the

amount of N, P and K contained in the grade of fertilizer you purchase.

Seek help from your local agro-input dealer and agricultural extension

agent to determine the bags of each group you will need for your plot.

Animal manure can be a significant source of nutrients in areas where

livestock is part of the farming systems. To supply 90 kg N/ha from


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organic sources apply either 7 t/ha of cow dung or 4 t/ha of chicken

manure or 5 t/ha of good quality compost to the crop. Fertilizer

application should be carried out after weeding so that weeds do not

benefit from applied fertilizers. Integrated use of mineral and organic

fertilizers should be employed to maximize economic yield and to

improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil.

Do not grow maize continuously on the same piece of land for more

than two seasons as this practice will deplete soil of major plant nutrient

resulting in lower yields. Crop rotation strategies as well as

intercropping maize with legumes can be used to maintain soil fertility.

Growing cowpea, groundnut and soya bean before maize will add

residual nitrogen to the soil, which can then be utilized by maize.

Weed Management

Weeds compete with maize for light, nutrients, soil water and space,

resulting in yield losses, lower grain quality and increased production

costs. Weeds also harbour insects and diseases. Maize is most sensitive

to weed competition during its early growth period. Therefore weeds

must never be allowed to out-grow maize plants before they are

Hole for fertilizer: 7cm

away from plant

Figure 2. Holes made at the sides of maize

plants for fertilizer application. Figure 3. Farmers applying fertilizer to maize


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controlled. Weeding during the critical 2-4 weeks after planting greatly

enhances grain production. This helps the established maize plants to

grow rapidly and become highly competitive. Planting immediately

after land preparation helps to reduce weed competition. In addition,

planting in rows facilitates weed control. For manual weed control,

conduct two hand weeding’s at 3 and 6 weeks after planting. Weeding

may be repeated before harvesting if necessary. Where weed pressure is

high and timeliness is too critical for hand weeding to be effective.

Much better weed control could be achieved through the judicious use

of herbicides. The use of herbicides has advantages over manual weed

control. It is faster, cheaper, less laborious and less tedious. Generally,

the type of herbicide used is determined by the type of weeds present

(either broadleaved or grassy weeds). Post-emergence herbicides could

be used to kill weeds before land preparation and planting are done.

Two common types of post-emergence herbicides are Glyphosate and

Paraquat. Glyphosate (e.g. Round-up, Sunphosate, Sarosate) is usually

strictly applied 1-2 weeks before planting, whereas Paraquat (e.g.

Gramazone) can be mixed with Pendimenthalin at the recommended

rate and applied immediately after planting. Paraquat kills any live

weeds in the field whereas Pendimenthalin kills pre-emerging weeds.

Also, selective pre-emergence herbicides like Atrazine can be applied at

the recommended rate 2-3 days after planting. Pre-emergence

herbicides should always be applied before maize and weed seedlings

emerge. The effectiveness of the herbicides is enhanced by very good

land preparation. Moisture is required for activation of the herbicide.

Herbicides give good control of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds but

usually need to be supplemented by hoe weeding to control perennial

weeds or weeds emerging after the herbicides have dissipated.

Successful use of herbicides depends on proper calibration of sprayer,

quantity of herbicide to be used, method and time of application,

climatic conditions, type of weeds etc. For best weed control and

maximum grain yields, use integrated weed management strategies that


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combine mechanical, chemical and cultural methods.

Precaution for the safe use of agrochemicals:

Always remember to:

Apply chemicals obtained from recognized sources

Read the label on the package before using

Adhere to manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations on

the label

Use the correct kind, dosage and application technique and

appropriate safety precautions

Determine calibration rate and go by it

Seek technical advice when in doubt.

Do not use expired agro-chemical.

Wash your hands thoroughly, with soap and water after using

agro-chemicals

Do not eat treated seed.

Control of Striga in Maize

Striga hermonthica, also known as witch weed, is a parasitic weed and

is a serious problem in many parts of the Guinea and Sudan savannah

zones of Ghana. The presence of a maize crop stimulates the

germination of Striga seed, and the young plant attaches to maize roots

from where it draws its moisture and nutrient requirements, inhibiting

maize plant growth, i.e., reducing yields and in severe cases, causing

plant death (figure 4). Where Striga is a problem, the following

integrated control options are recommended: pull out Striga plant

before it flowers and produces seed; rotate maize with non-susceptible

crops like soya bean (e.g. Afayak and Songda), cotton, groundnut or

sunflower; plant Striga tolerant/resistant maize varieties (e.g. Wang–

Dataa and Bihilifa); apply recommended fertilizer rates and use other


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cultural practices.

Pests and disease control

Major pests of maize in Ghana include stem borers, cutworms,

grasshoppers, weevil’s termites and larger grain borer. Storage insects

cause grain losses after harvest. Major diseases of maize include maize

streak, smuts, rust and bacteria blight. Below are some useful tips to

manage pest and disease in maize:

Be aware of the pest and diseases common in the area where the crop

is to be grown, and plant varieties that are resistance or tolerance to

them.

Start scouting field for pest infestation immediately after emergence

of seeds and monitor their levels regularly to determine whether

they are causing economic damage to warrant their control.

Plant early to avoid the high pest pressure that are experienced with

late plantings.

Maize rotation with legumes can help with reducing weed, insect and

disease pressure, enhance soil fertility and improve yields.

Under severe pest infestation, use pesticide judiciously.

Integration of all the methods above is critical for effective control.

Figure 4. Maize field heavily infested with Striga


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Stem Borers

Stem borer infestation is higher in later part of the season. Majority of

the damage of stem borer is caused by the larvae of the insect which

feeds on young leaves and later enter and tunnels inside the stem of the

plant. It is particularly difficult to control stem borers using chemicals

because the damaging larvae are hidden away deep inside the plant

stems.

Symptoms

The first signs of stem borer attack in young maize plants are small

holes in straight lines across the newest leaves. In older plants, the

symptoms include dead heart, plant death, dieback and internal feeding

in the stem.

Management

Stem borers multiply in crop residues left on the field after harvest. So

remove all crop residue, burn partially and burial immediately after

harvesting. This practice helps to kill pupae of insect left in crop

residues and prevents carry-over populations limiting the establishment

of the pest on the following season’s crop. Short duration fallows with

crops like pigeon pea, mucuna, cowpea and soya bean can be used to

reduce yield losses due to stem borers in the subsequent crop. If more

than 5% of plants are infested. Spray Karate (Orthene and Rimon) at

30ml per 15 liters of water for every 100m2 beginning at 2 weeks after

planting and repeat at 2-week intervals till tasseling. Use pest control

methods that do not affect the health of people or crops, or damage the

environment, preferably mechanical and other non-chemical methods

(e.g., neem seed/leaf extract, or soap solution). If chemical pesticides

are absolutely necessary use the correct kind, dosage and application

technique as well as appropriate safety precautions.


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Maize Streak

The maize streak is the most damaging disease of maize in Ghana.

Maize streak virus is a foliar disease transmitted by the white fly. It is

very common in late planted maize.

Symptoms

Early disease symptoms include very small, round, scattered spots in

youngest leaves. The number of spots increases with plant growth and

elongates causing leaf chlorosis with broken yellow streaks along veins

contrasting with dark green of normal leaf (Figure 5). The disease can

cause severe stunting and barrenness of affected plants.

Management

A variety of chemical and cultural practices can help to control maize

diseases. However, the use of streak resistant varieties (Tigli and Dorke

SR) is the most cost-effective and practical method of controlling streak

and is less harmful to the environment. Also plant early in the

recommended planting window of the area.

Harvest

Maize should be harvested as soon as the grain is dry and grain

Figure 5. Maize streak infested plant.


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moisture is at or below 15%. Delayed harvesting leads to lodging and

damage by birds, storage pests and diseases. In dry savannah areas, the

grains could be allowed to dry on the field before harvesting. If left on

the field to dry, the crop is ready for harvesting when cobs start

dropping. In the Forest and Forest-Savannah transition zones, usually it

may be raining at the time when maize reaches maturity. Under such

condition, maize should be harvested from the field early (preferably

after two to three days without rain) and dried in the sun or in special

drying cribs. The grains should be raked across drying surface regularly

to ensure even drying.

Storage

Ears may be kept in outdoor cribs. Maize may also be shelled and

stored indoors in sacks or other containers. Dehusk and shell well dried

grains before storage. The moisture level in maize must remain below

11% if the maize is stored for long periods (more than 3 months),

otherwise aflatoxin may develop, producing toxic side effects for

consumers of the grain. Remove all rotten cobs from the produce before

shelling. After shelling, remove all debris, insects and store cleaned

grains in jute bags. Pack bagged maize on a pallet away from the floor

in a well-ventilated room. For longer storage periods protect grains

against storage pests by using insecticides.

Common storage insecticides are Actellic 25 E.C. and Aluminum

phosphide (e.g. Phostoxin and Gastoxin). For every 100 kg bag of

maize, mix 4 ml of Actellic 25 E.C. with 170 ml of clean water and

spray the solution on to the shelled grain before it is bagged. To store

with Aluminum phosphide, line the bad with polythene bag. Fill the

sack half full and place one tablet of either Phostoxin or Gastoxin

wrapped in a paper/cotton wool. Fill the sack completely and add

another tablet and sew the tip of the sack properly to prevent the escape


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of the chemical which works in the gaseous form. Therefore whenever

Aluminum phosphide tablets are used, ensure the store or container is

airtight to avoid the escape of fumes because they are extremely

poisonous to human beings when inhaled. Do not keep grains treated

with phostoxin in living room. Treat walls and floor of rooms with

chemicals and keep the doors locked until grains are needed.

References and further reading

1. Ghana Ministry of Food and Agriculture - Statistics, Research and

Information Directorate (SRID), “Agriculture in Ghana: Facts and

Figures (2010)”. May 2011

2. Maize and Cowpea Production Guide for Ghana, Ghana grains

development project, Crops Research Institute, Kumasi


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