Corn accounts for more than half of the food calories consumed in Kenya. It is the cheapest source of calories among grain crops and accounts for 40% of the country’s total cultivated area. According to the annual plan, the corn harvest is 40 million bags or about 4 million tons.

However, over the past ten years, production levels have declined significantly. It is important to note that the population and the demand for food, including corn, are growing. The gap between demand and production threatens food security. It is projected that 60 million bags will be needed in 2025 to meet public demand.

What is limiting maize production in this country? The main obstacles for corn growing are diseases, drought, low soil fertility and pests. Foliar, stem, and ear diseases and stem pests cause significant losses in corn production in Kenya’s humid transitional and high tropics.

Despite genetic improvements , corn production still needs to catch up with population growth. Crop conservation specialists, including entomologists, plant pathologists, and weed scientists, have invested significant effort in identifying disease and pest issues. Although chemical control methods, such as seed treatments and foliar sprays, can effectively reduce the prevalence and severity of most pests and diseases, the most cost-effective control option is to utilize host plant resistance. In this post you’ll find recommendations for corn growing season and other valuable information on the production of this crop.

Preparing the Land for Corn Cultivation in Kenya

When to plant corn? It’s recommended to start after you prepare the ground. The first step is to clear the surface of weeds, debris and vegetation debris. The procedure is carried out manually or using herbicides. Manual cleaning is cheaper and is a more environmentally friendly option.

The next step after clearing is tilling the soil, which helps break up soil clods and create a nice seedbed. The plowing depth should be 15-20 cm to ensure good rooting. It is important to remember that over-tilling the soil is harmful and can lead to loss of nutrients and erosion.

Once the land has been plowed, it is suggested to harrow it. This process is important as it further breaks up soil clumps and creates a smooth surface for planting. Additionally, it helps evenly distribute nutrients throughout the soil, allowing plants to absorb them easily. It is crucial to harrow when the soil is moist to avoid damaging its structure.

It’s also recommended to apply manure or fertilizer before planting corn. It helps to provide essential nutrients for proper plant development. Test the soil to understand its fertility level and its need for nutrients. The type and amount of fertilizer or manure depend on this information.

The Stages of Corn Growth

Farmers need to know and understand the different stages of corn development, how these individual stages progress, and how they affect crop maturity. If you want to know how to plant corn properly, it’s crucial to pay attention to the stages of the plant development, as your plans and actions depend on them. This knowledge enables making practical and informed decisions regarding varieties, resource management and pest control. Careful monitoring and proper management throughout the plants’ lifecycle can help to optimize the crops’ growth and development, ensuring maximum yield and quality.

In the first stage, seedling appear from the soil. This process is called germination and occurs under favorable temperature conditions and soil composition.Then comes the seedling stage, when the corn root system is formed, and the first leaves appear on the plant. In this form, plants are highly susceptible to diseases and pests, so careful monitoring is necessary.

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The most active growth occurs during the vegetative stage and is accompanied by the formation of many leaves and stems. The main focus is on increasing biomass and developing a strong root system.Then, a cluster of male flowers, also known as a tassel, appears at the top of the plant, and the female silk flowers, which are flowers, appear from the leaves. This is a critical stage for pollination and seed set.

Afterward, the kernels develop and are filled with nutrients. During this period, it is vital to provide the plants with sufficient water and nutrients for successful formation. How long does corn take to grow? It takes between two and three months. Corn matures when the kernels are fully formed, and the plant has maximum dry weight. Time for harvesting!

Disease and Pest Control in Kenyan Corn Cultivation

Pests are a significant threat that can lead to substantial crop losses. The fall army worm is one of the most destructive kinds, attacking yields at various growth stages and causing up to 100% crop loss. They are nocturnal creatures, so the insecticides applied in the evening or in the early morning can help to combat this threat.

Corn production in Kenya faces the challenge of stem borers, that cause significant damage. These are caterpillars that feed on leaves and bore into the plant’s stem. This damage weakens branches and damages corn cobs, causing significant losses for farmers.

Farmers also face challenges in the form of diseases that affect crops at various stages of development. The most common diseases are:

• corn lethal necrosis (MLND)
• a soil-borne condition called corn smut
• northern rot

Timely detection of threats such as aphids, thrips and leaf beetles is a key to control and stop the spread of pathogens. Proper nutrition and the use of fungicides play a vital role in the fight against infections and diseases. However, crop rotation or more resistant seed seeds can also be used as a control and prevention measure. That is how to grow corn healthy and productive.

Key Points of Harvesting and Post-Harvesting

The cobs are harvested by hand or using agricultural machinery. Mechanized harvesting allows the task to be completed more quickly, but it is not available to every Kenyan farmer. At the same time, the manual method has its advantage since, in this case, only mature plants are collected.

Corn should be thoroughly dried before storage to prevent spoilage due to fungal growth or insect infestation and to maintain product quality. Drying occurs in the sun or using a mechanical device during wet seasons.

After harvesting, harvested plants are stored in bags in a dry and clean room. Periodic pest control treatments are recommended to prevent disease and pest control.