Corn Production

Basic Information about Corn

What is a corn plant? Of what importance is corn to human beings animals and industry? How
does corn compared with polished and unpolished rice in terms of vitamin and mineral content?
The corn plant belongs to the grass family or graminae and is botanically called Zea mays
Linn. It is a summer annual crop in temperate areas. Other crops belonging to this family of plants are
rice, sugar cane, and sorghum. The most probable homeland of corn is South America since wild pod
maize, which is the most likely prototype of corn, grows there.
Corn ranks next to rice as our staple crop in the Philippines. About 70 percent of our total corn
production is consumed as human food; the rest is used for livestock and poultry feeds. Corn is also
used in our industry in manufacture of corn by-products like corn starch, textile, paints, corn oil, paper,
etc.
Uses of Corn
Corn is cereal crop with a variety of uses.
1.

2.
3.

We mill the grain into corn grits and prepare it for food by steaming it like rice. Most of our
people prefer the white flint corn type because of its color and higher percentage of recovery
upon milling.
We can also prepare corn into corn flakes, corn oil, corn syrup, popcorn, corn coffee and others.
We also use of corn for our livestock and poultry. All parts of the corn plant are used as feed for
our animals. You can feed your pigs, horses, cattle and carabaos with fresh corn plants with the
ears (corn fodder). You can also utilize the ears for food and the stalk for feed. You can feed
unshelled corn to your hogs and unground kernels to your poultry. You can also grind your corn
into corn meal. Other farmers just release their animals in their corn fields for pasture.

Corn by-products
In the manufacture of starch, syrup, corn oil, and others, the following by-products are
obtained:
1.
2.

3.

Corn bran (tahup sa mais) This is the outer coating of the corn kernel when milled.
Corn gluten feed This is the corn by-product obtained in the manufacture of corn starch
or syrup. This feed is bulky and of low quality protein. It should not be used as a major
portion of our swine ration.
Corn oil meal or corn oil cake This is the corn by-product of the wet milling corn starch
and corn syrup. Oil is extracted from corn meal that has been dried and crushed. Corn oil
meal contains 22 percent of protein and 10 percent fiber. It can be used a feed for swine,
especially when mixed with high-protein animal or marine products.
Our flour factories in the Philippines utilize a major part of our total corn produce in
starch preparations.

Other industrial products from corn

Almost all parts of the corn plant have industrial products and uses:
1.

The corn stalk is used in the manufacture of wallboard, fuel gas and paper. When the stalk is
decayed, it is used a fertilizer.

2.

3.
4.

The corn ear is used for making oil and corn starch. Oil goes into the manufacture of soap,
paint varnish, and rubber substitute. It can also be processed in to edible oil for salad or into oil
cakes. Corn starch is used in the production of corn syrup (commercially known as glucose,
,maltose, dextrose, dextrin) ,alcohol, medicine and corn gluten. You can also use it in the
preparation of baking powder, desserts, pastries, etc.
The corn germ is used in the manufacture of salad and table oils, mayonnaise, soap, oleo
margarine, leather dressing and other pharmaceuticals.
The corn cobs is used in making glucose, tobacco pipes, fuel and fertilizers, Glucose is
converted in acetic, oxamic and succinic acid.

Terms for study

It is important that you understand the following terms:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Staple crops- chief or principal crop grown.

Livestock large animals like cattle and carabaos.
Calorie a unit used to express the fuel or energy value of food.
Percentage milling = (No. of cavans obtained after milling/No of cavans milled)x 100
Forage - fresh cured plants, legumes and grasses used as feeds for animals.
Corn silage chopped corn plants with or without ears which have been stored in a
compartment or silo to preserve their nutrients and palatability.
7. Corn soilage- fresh corn plants at the flowering stage fed to animals as supplement.
8. Corn fodder- corn plants, either fresh or cured with the ears to fed the animals.
9. Shock corn similar to fodder; corn grown primarily for grain but fed to livestock without
husking.
10. Corn stover cured form the ears have been removed. The feeding value of corn stover is
primarily in the leaves and not in the stalks.
Module 1. Determining the prospect of corn enterprise
Is Philippine soil suited to corn production? What types of climate are suitable for corn
production? How great is the demand for corn in our country and neighboring countries? In what
regions in the Philippines is corn grown profitably? How does our average production compare with
that of other countries like Indonesia, India and Pakistan? Is there reasonable profit in corn enterprise?
A work well planned and studied is considered 50 percent finished. A farmer should first
work out his plan before he decides to start the job. For success in his business, he should consider
such factors as soil and climate, supply and demand, size of land, ease of production, labor, capital
and gain or loss (economics).
Soil and climate
You can plant corn in almost any kind of soil, although clay loam rich in humus and organic
matter is preferable. If your field is not suitable for corn production, apply proper fertilizers and organic
matter. You can also improve the fertility of the soil by planting leguminous plants like mongo, beans,
peanuts, and pass. All soils in our country require nitrogen fertilization for high corn yields. Nearly all
soils in Mindanao will give increased yields of corn with phosphorus fertilization. Recent findings show
that sandy soils to which potassium has been added increase the yield of corn.

Our climate is very favourable for corn growing. Higher yields of corn are obtained when there
is abundant rainfall and sunlight. Corn can be grown twice or thrice in most parts of the country. See
and study the climate map of the Philippines below.
Philippine climate type 4, the most extensive type in Mindanao, is ideal for corn. This type has
no pronounced maximum rain period and dry season. Corn can be grown continuously in this type of

climate. Type 2 climate has pronounced maximum rain period. Provide adequate natural and artificial
drainage because excess water well reduce the yield in most cases.in type 3 climates avoid growing
corn during the dry season. The residual soil moisture has been exhausted at this time.

Supply and demand

The next essential thing we have to know is the supply and demand condition in our country.
How much corn do we produce? How much do we consume per year? Are we still importing or
exporting corn?
Corn is next to rice in the use of our agricultural land. The crop area devoted to corn
production 1965-66 was about 2,000,000 hectares. The average yield was11.6 cavans per hectare. Our
yield of corn is very much behind that of other countries. Among the Asian countries japan had the
highest average in 1964 with 47.7 cavans per hectare; Burma had the lowest with9.3 cavans.
There is always a good market for corn. Plant more corn to cope up with our rapid increasing
population. By year 1970, the consumption of corn for human food will 16,476,600 cavans; for animal
feed, 18,580,700 cavans; for industrial uses, 1,000,400 cavans; and for seed waste and others,
245,400 cavans.
Expenses and Income
Is your present average production per hectare more than enough to pay all the costs of
producing a hectare of corn? Know and study the economics of your business to obtain profit.
Expected expenses. First, you must determine your overall expense in cultivating a hectare
of corn field. Include labor expenses for plowing (twice), harrowing, furrowing, planting, cultivating,
weeding, shelling, ect. Second, determine all supplies needed, like planting materials, fertilizers,
chemicals, containers, ect. Third, you must have the needed tools, implements, equipment, ect.
Fourth, consider whether your land is your own, leased or rented. Fifth, determine how much capital
you have and how much interest you will get if your money were placed in the bank. Sixth, include
under labor expense your management fee you being the one managing the farm. Seventh, compute
the depreciation of buildings, tools, and equipment at 10% annually.
Expected income.- After determining all expected expenses, your next job is to find out your
total expected income from the same farm. On what items do you expect to get an income on your
farm? First, consider the total number of cavans you expect to harvest in a given area. Second, know
the current price per cavan of either shelled or corn grits. Include your expected sales of the bran
obtained. Third, include the sales of other crops or legumes you intercropped, if any. Fourth, list down
all other products and items on which you expect to have an income.
Profit. When you already know all the items under expected expenses and income, then
determine the gain and loss of the project. Subtract from the total expected income your total
expected expenses. If the difference is positive, you gained, if negative you lost.
You should not be surprised and discourage if you lose on the and second years of your farm
operation. Your loss may be due to your purchase of expensive tools and equipment like hand tractors,
plows, and harrows. When you use carabaos in preparing the field, you also buy them in the first year
of your operation.
Economics of corn industry
The livestock industry. We shall have no corn export for sometimes because of our
growing livestock industry. Our hogs and poultry projects depend on corn as feed. In 1968, some 9,

377,900 cavans was needed for livestock feeds. The feed millers of 1966 used 2,968,000 cavans a
year. Corn is 52 percent of the poultry feed and 32 percent of the hog feed.
Industrial purposes. In 1968, the output if the starch factories was estimated at 30,000
metric ton of starch. The corn required was 907,400 cavans.
Profit to farmers-

Suggested Activities
1.
2.
3.
4.

Make a project study of a one-hectare, 3-hectar, 5-hectare and 10-hectare corn farm.
Determine and list down the causes of low corn production in your locality or region.
What do you think are the major problems of the corn industry in the Philippines?
You may visit a successful corn farm. Be sure you have a prepared plan on what to observe on
the farm.

Module 2. SELECTING THE BEST SITE FOR CORN FIELD

Fertility of soil is a factor that will help you obtain high corn yield. If you are finally decided to
raise corn, your first job is to look for a good site for your crop. What is an ideal site for corn? To select
an ideal site is not easy. Many factors limit your selection. Let us consider the major ones: (1)
accessibility of land, (2) soil situation, (3) climate, and (4) peace and order situation.
Accessibility of Land
The best land is one that is near your house and a good road. Why? It will enable you to do
work anytime you like. You can hire labor more easily. You can manage and supervise farm effectively.
You can transport and market products more efficiently and easily.
Soil Condition
You can attain top yields of corn if the following soil conditions are present:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Well-drained soil
Soil depth of at least 40 centimeters
Medium texture
Moisture-retention-holding power or ability of the soil to retain water or moisture
High fertility
High organic content
Level fields
Favorable tilth or slant
Slight acidity (pH. 5.3- 7.3)

Drainage- You must plant corn soil with good drainage during rainy season. If your soil has no
natural drainage, dig canals all around your field. See to it that no water stays long in the field. It will
destroy your plants and reduce yield. Hill up the corn in such a way that the small canals between the
rows are directed to the lowest part of the field.
Texture-Clay loam or sandy loam is good soil for corn. If the soil is very sticky, you can improve it
by adding humus and lime (wood ash). Proper plowing and harrowing will also improve the fineness of
the soil. Till only when the soil is not too wet or too dry.
Topography-Corn likes best field that is slightly rolling and fairly deep (40 cm. or more). Such
topography will minimize the possibility of water staying stagnant on the field. Hilly fields will do well

during wet season. A level field is good for dry-season planting provided there is no strong rain during
the growing period. If possible, select a site that has a good water supply. Irrigating the fields during
the dry season will increase the yield of the crop.
Climate
Corn requires abundant rainfall and sunlight. It grows in places at sea level up to 10,000 feet
(3,050 meters) high. Temperature through-out the country is satisfactory for corn growing. The two
important climate considerations are rainfall and soil moisture and the occurrence of typhoons.
Rainfall and soil moisture- You should have a rainfall of 7.9 inches (200 mm.) to 59.0 inches
(1,500 mm.) during the growing period. Your optimum seasonal rainfall will probably be between 15.8
inches (400 mm.) and 23.6 inches (600 mm.). This amount of rain should be well distributed during
growing period. Abundant soil moisture is the most needed by the plants for growth and flowering. See
to it that enough soil moisture is supplied within 3- month growing period of the crop. During dry
season irrigating is necessary.
Typhoons. Typhoons are very destructive to crops. It is therefore essential for you to know the
occurrences of typhoons in your place. It will help you make adjustments in your plan and planting
calendar. See to it that your crop escapes the typhoon months. For example, if the typhoons usually
occur in November, plant early as May or June so that you can minimize the bad effect of typhoons by
providing good windbreaks. A wind-break is anything that protects your crop from strong winds.
Example of wind breaks are hills, buildings, and trees. You can plant fruit trees around your fields or
locate your building where they can help protect your crops from strong winds.
Bear in mind the following technical information related to water requirements in corn growing:
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.
7.

The amount of water transpired depends of the stage of development of the plant and the
climate factors.
A single corn plant in full leaf may transpire 8 gallons of water in a week.
Total water need is higher in fertile soils than in poor soils.
A shortage of moisture supply in the soil during early growth:
a. Slows down vegetative growth.
b. Delays silking and tasseling.
c. Delays maturity.
d. Results in non-synchronization of silking and tasseling.
The greatest need of corn for high soil moisture is during the tasseling and silking stage.
A shortage of water for 2 to 8 days during tasseling period will reduce corn yield by 20 to 50
percent.
Shortage of water supply after silking has to effect on the vegetative growth of corn.

Shortage of water supply throughout the growing season of the corn plants will results in:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Stunted plants having short internodes

More root growth in relation to top growth
Poor leaf growth
Delayed silking and tasseling
Delayed maturity
Small, purely filled ears

Peace and Order Situation

What is the peace and order situation in the site you have selected for corn production? Do the
people cooperate in not allowing animals to go astray? Are there thieves in the community? How about
stealing young-sters? In marketing your corn, have you met some problems with some market
personnel, labor unions and other governmental officials? These problems will help you decide where
to locate a site for your corn enterprise.

Terms to know and study

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Site- the area or land where you plant corn.

Topography-the contour or steepness of the land. Ex. Rolling land, gently rolling, hilly, etc.
Texture-the fineness of the soil particles. Ex. Clay loam, sandy loam, silt, gravel, etc.
Windbreak-any protection provided to crops against strong winds. Ex. Trees, buildings, walls,
fences, etc.
Climate-composite weather conditions of a region, as temperature, humidity, sunshine, and
winds, averaged over a series of years.

Supplementary Activities
1.
2.
3.

Visit an ideal site for corn growing in your community, if there is any.
Familiarize the class with different types of soil. Draw a soil profile showing the different
layers of soil as surface soil, sub-soil, stratum, sub-stratum, etc.
Sow corn seed in different types of soil and observe the stand of plants. Find out the best
soil for corn.

Module 3. CHOOSING THE MOST ADAPTED AND PRODUCTIVE VARIETY TO PLANT

There are many types, varieties, or strains of corn. A good variety of corn is one that is suited
and adapted to your soil and climate and one that is productive. With proper planting practices and
good care, a good variety is sure to give an abundant harvest. Other factors that you should consider
in choosing a variety are likes of your family and the market demands. The variety you choose must
command a good price in your place.
Factors in Selection
Consider the following factors in selecting a variety to plant:
1.

2.

3.

Adaptability to soil and climate. Corn varieties may do well in one region may not in another.
Consider the conditions in your locality. Observe different successful corn farms in your locality
or ask advice from your agriculture teachers, town agriculturist and extensions adapted and
productive. Keep good records and compare the production. You should know your own
situation better than anybody else. Know what corn seeds to buy and where to buy them.
Consult reliable people.
Market demand. - The quality of your product will determine the price. The better quality, the
higher the price. However, the local demand for the product is more important in determining
the price. For example, yellow flint cost very much more that white flint in the poultry-piggery
region. White flint also commands better price in region with very little rice production.
Glutinous, pop, or sweet corn will get better prices in regions near resorts. A variety that is
adapted and productive and commands a good price is the best one.
Maturity and yields. In general, the higher your yield, the greater is your income. Maturity of
your crops affects your farm operations. It might hinder you from planting your next crop early.
However, early and late maturing corn varieties have their own advantages and
disdavantages.

Types/ Varieties of Corn

There are 3 general types of corn:
1.

Maize group or types.

classification is based on
a. Dent corn. It is
shrinkage of soft

- Corn grown under cultivation is classified in six groups. This

kernel characteristics.
characterized by a dent on the crown or top the kernel-caused by
starch at the crown during ripening. This soft starch is surrounded on

the sides by hard or corneous starch. This types is easily attacked by weevils because
of its soft dented part.
The varieties of dent corn are Missouri, Wisconsin crosses, and Iowa crosses.
b.

c.
d.

Flint Corn. The flint corn kernel is characterized by a hard starch layer extending over
the crown. Flint corn kernels shrink uniformly as they mature.
i. White flint corn is used solely for rice, corn and starch production. Example ate
UPCA Var. 2 and 4, College White, Bicol and Cebu White and Tiniguib.
ii. Yellow flint corn is use for poultry and livestock feeds. Some yellow flint
varieties are UPCA Var. 1 and 3, College Yellow Flint, Cuban Yellow and Phil.
Hybrid 1.
Flour corn or soft corn.- The kernels consists almost entirely of soft starch with a very
thin layer of hard starch on the sides. The kernels show little or no denting.
Sweet corn. This kind is really sweet. The sweet kernel contains higher proportion of
sugar than starch. It is characterized by a wrinkled and translucent appearance of the
kernel when dry. This type is getting popular in our country. We can raise the two
variety of this vigorously. They are the Philippines Yellow Sweet and Hawaiian Yellow
Sweet. Our Philippines variety is more productive. The Hawaiian variety has tender
pericarp and is of better eating quality.
Other varieties of sweet corn are Columbian Yellow, Agrow Golden 50, Black
Mexican, Golden Cross Bantam and Phil. Hybrid 801.

e.

Waxy corn or glutinous corn.- This type is known by us as lakitan or pelit. The term
waxy refer to wax-like appearance of the endosperm when we cut or break the corn
ear. When dried, waxy corn seed are dull while white flint kernels are shiny. In our
country we have the white and yellow glutinous. We prefer the white glutinous strain
because of it tastes better when boiled green There are three standard glutinous
varieties or strains:
i. Morong glutinous
ii. Central Luzon glutinous
iii. Laguna glutinous
Other strains are:
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.

f.

Batangas Selection
Laguna
College Yellow
Camarines
Sulu Selection
Cagayan, and
Pangasinan

Our farmers usually name a strain after the region where it is raised.
Popcorn. - You can easily identify this type. The ears are small and the kernels contains
high percentage of hard endosperm starch which make popcorn varieties pop and
burst open upon heating. We have two types of popcorn:
i. Rice popcorn- Kernels are slender and pointed.
ii. Pearl popcorn- Kernels are rounded and small.
Some available varieties of popcorn in our country are: Golden Green, Yellow
Pop, Rice Pop 14 and Sugar Gold Rice Pop 19.

2.

Hybrid Corn This is the first generation of a cross that involves two or more inbred lines. You
can develop inbred lines by controlled self- pollination of adapted strains for 5 to 7 generations.

Hybrid corn will give you the greatest yield during the first generation. When you use corn
seed for second planting from the first generation(F1) plants the following will result:
a. Lower yields
b. Less uniform plants
c. Other undesirable traits
Philippine Hybrids 1, 4 and 6 are examples of corn hybrids developed locally.
Some types of hybrids (for technical study) are:

3.

a. Single cross(A x B, cross between two unrelated inbreed)

b. Tree-way cross- (A x B) x C
c. Multiple cross-[(A x B) x (C x D) x (E x F) x (G x H) ]
d. Top cross inbred-variety cross, A x open pollinated variety
e. Varietal hybrid variety A x variety B
Synthetic corn variety. The high-yielding synthetic variety produced by Plant Breeding
Division at the U.P. College of Agriculture.

Types of corn:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Popcorn(white)
Glutinous corn(white)
Sweet corn(yellow)
Dent corn(yellow)
Flint corn(yellow)

Some terms to know and study

1.
2.
3.
4.

Maturity refers to the time from solving up to harvesting.

Hybrid corn- is the first generation of a cross that involves one or more inbred lines. These
inbred lines are developed by controlled self-pollination.
Synthetic corn variety- is the advanced generation of high combining lines crossed together or
inter se.
Yield- refers to the production in gantas or cavans per hectare.

Suggested Activities
1.

2.

Divide the class into groups to conduct survey on:

a. Varieties of native corn planted in the community
b. Varieties of hybrid and synthetic corn raised
c. Production of each variety per hectare(computed or actual)
d. Comparison of varieties as to adaptability, productivity, and rate gain
Conduct simple studies on the following:
a. Adaptability of different synthetic varieties
b. Possibility of seed production for business
c. Others

Module 4. SECURING, SELECTIONG AND PREPARING CORN SEEDS FOR THE FARM
After you have selected a good site and have decided on what variety to plant, what is your
next job? If you want more money, aim to produce high. One important job you have you to do is to
secure, select and prepare corn seeds for planting. Let us find out how.
Securing Seeds
Secure seed from reliable sources. You can see the following personnel or agencies:
1.
2.

Municipal agriculturist, APC or PACF officers

Corn specialist in the area, district or region

3.
4.
5.
6.

Bureau of Plant Industry, or authorized representatives

Any registered seed producer in the area
UPCA Corn Section or Plant Breeding Division
Any registered and authorized seed dealers in the town, district, province and cities.
However, if you cannot secure seeds from any of the agencies, you can see the
successful farmers in the area. Visit and observe their corn plants. Select ears right on the field
and prepare them for proper storage or planting. Consult your agriculture teacher for reliable
selection.

Selecting Seeds
Select seeds for planting very well. If you buy seeds, select those that are certified and
approved by the Philippines Seed Board. You can be sure of their high percentage of germination and
viability, and their freedom from weed seed and diseases. The variety recommended and approved the
Seed Board has passed a series of performance test in the different parts of the country.
If you get seeds from your seed stock, use one of two ways:
1.
2.

Selection of ears. Select good ears whose kernels are well-developed and free from pests and
diseases. Do this selection right on the field while the crops are still standing.
Selection of kernels. You can select good kernels from the good ears by (1) the sieving and
(2) the kernel- ear methods.

Sieving method. - Shell the selected ears and then select the good kernels by sieving. Make a
sieving device where small grains will pass through easily. Use for planting the kernels that are
retained in the sieved.
Kernel-ear method- Remove only small kernels at the butts and tips of the good ears. Shell for
planting the kernels left on the cob. Utilize the discarded small seed for feeds, if they are not
treated with poisonous chemicals. Seeds on the tips and butt of ears are similar yielding ability
except for their smaller size. These seeds, therefore, exhibit less seedling vigor at an early stage of
growth.
Storing Seeds for Planting
Store seeds using the following methods:
1.

2.

Halayhalay method. In this method of storing, the ears are left in the halayhalay until the
time for use. Hang the unhusked ears in the rows starting from below. In this ways, the ears do
not retain moisture. Arrange them by putting the tips lower than the butts; do not remove the
silks to prevent passage of weevils into the kernels.
Jute sacks, bags and boxes. Your sack-stored seed might be attacked by weevils and other
insect pest. Winnow to remove the empty grain before planting.

In storing your corn seeds, care should be taken against attacks of insects and possible
losses due to rodents, thieves, and others. If you use jute sacks treat them with 5 percent DDT
solution before you store the grain. Studies show that aqueous solution of DDT (25 percent 10
ml/gal) and Thiodan on unhusked corn will protect grain from weevils and other pests.
You can also fumigate stored grain in cribs.
Requirements for good storage
Store your product properly after it is dried. Consider the following factors in storing grain:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Warehouse condition
Containers used
Condition of grain before storage
Inspection procedures followed
Preventive measures against insects and pests
See to it that the grains are cleaned and dried to 14 percent moisture content before storing.

Treating corn grains for storage

Treat your seeds to protect them from pest and diseases. Study and follow the procedures
below:
Material needed-Prepare:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Home-made mixer a drum, kerosene can or old carbide can will do. Put a shaft and crank for
easy operation.
Dusk mask, clean handkerchief or respirator
Captan Dieldrin 60-15
Measuring device- tablespoon and balance

Procedure Follow the steps

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.
7.

Put 6 gantas of corn grain in the mixer. Corn grain must be thoroughly before being treated.
The mixer must also and be cleaned and be big enough. Fill the mixer to half of its capacity.
Scatter about 20 grams of Captan Dieldren leo-15 on the grain.
Tie a dry handkerchief over your mouth and nose or else wear a dust mask or respirator so you
do not inhale the poisonous dust.
Fasten the cover of the mixer securely.
Turn the mixer slowly 20 to 30 minutes or until the seeds are coated with the most of the
chemicals. Through mixing is important to when applying no-volatile materials. Turning the
mixer slowly will prevent crushing of the seeds.
Store treated seeds in a bin or pile. Leave for 24 hours in fairly well-ventilated containers. Keep
them dry. A place with moderate temperature and low humidity is good for storage.
Sow within 2 to 3 days, if possible, to prevent reinfection.

Testing the Viability of Your Seeds

You can test the viability of your seeds a week or two before sowing. Germination test will save
your time, energy, money, and planting space. How do you test the viability of seeds? You can get the
percentage of germination by using this formula.

Pecentage Germination =(No. of seeds germinate/No. of seeds used or sown) x 100

Example
Get 100 seeds and sow them in the seed box. After 4 to 6 days count the number of seeds that
had germinated. If 80 of 100 seeds germinated then:
Pecentage Germination=(80/100)x 100
=80%
Your seeds, therefore, have 80 percent viability rate. You are at least assured that 80 out of
100 seed to be planted on the field will germinate.

Knowing the amount of seeds needed

You must decide first the distance of your planting and rate of seeding to determine the
amount of seeds needed. If you plant UPCA Var. 1, 2, and, 4, two methods of planting may be used. In
the first method, plant one seed to a hill. Distancing should be 25 centimeters between hill and 75
centimeter between rows. In the second method, plant two seeds a hill. Distancing 50 centimeter
between hill and 75 between rows. In both methods, you will need about 53,000 seeds or about six
gantas per hectare.
Plant breeders at U.P. College of Agriculture have found out that a ganta of medium-sized
kernels around 9,000 seeds. A hectare of land requires approximately 53,000 to 55,000 seeds. You
therefore need 6 to 7 gantas of medium-sized kernels to plant a hectare of land of the percentage of
germination is from 98 to 100.
Supposed your 6 gantas has only 75% germination, will you enough seeds to plant 1 hectare?
If no, how many gantas more will you need? You follow the formula below to obtain the exact quantity.
-Multiply 1.333 by the amount of seeds needs if germination were 100 percent.

- This is figure is derived from the formula

100
75

which give the increase in seeds if the

germination is only 75%,

The amount of seeds that you need to plant 1 hectare is 1.333 x 6, which is 7.998 or 8 gantas.

Terms to know and study

1.
2.

3.

4.
5.

Philippine Seed Board- the agency that finally decides and proves the varieties to be multiplies
and planted by the farmers.
Certified seed- either the first-or second-generation of registered seeds. It is produced by
selected farmers under the supervision of qualified seed inspector. Good seeds are either
produced form registered or certified seeds.
Registered seed- the advanced generation of the foundation seeds produces in isolated fields.
Production of registered seed is the responsibility of BPI seed farms and reliable seed
producers selected by BPI.
Foundation seed- the advanced generation of the breeder seed grown in bigger plots or in
isolation. It is also handled by breeders.
Breeder seed the corn seed material handled directly by breeders. It is carefully produce by
hand pollination.

Suggested Activities
1.
2.
3.
4.

Determine percentage germination of the different corn seed stocks brought by member of the
class.
Make a home-made mixer for seed treatment for use by students on their farms.
Let students do actual selection of corn ears for seeds right on the field. Let then store until
planting by using any of the known methods.
Let them plant stored seeds when ready for the job.

Module 5. PREPARATION OF THE LAND

Thorough preparation of your land increases the yields of corn. There are other reasons why
the land should be well prepared:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Weed computing with the plants are easily controlled.

Corn seeds can be planted at uniform depths.
Your plants will have a good start over the weeds.
You plants will have proper root development because of the loose of soil. A loose of seedbed
of medium fine texture has few large air pockets. Therefore soil moisture move readily from
soil granule to soil granule and eventually to seed on root hair. Medium fine structure also
permits good soil seed contact which is essential for rapid and uniform germination.

Recommended land preparation for UPCA Var. 1(Yellow), Var. 2(White), Var. 4(White)
After harvesting your last corn