Y2 - Module 2 - Producing Corn

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Department of Education
PUBLIC TECHNICAL-VOCATIONAL
HIGH SCHOOLS
COMPETENCY-BASED
LEARNING MATERIAL
Second Year
AGRICULTURAL CROP
PRODUCTION NC I
(CORN)
Unit of Competency: SUPPORT AGRONOMIC CROP WORK AND IRRIGATION
Module No. 2 Module Title: Producing Corn

CONTENTS
MODULE II
WHAT IS THIS MODULE ABOUT? .......................................................... 1
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN? ...................................................................... 1
WHAT DO YOU ALREADY KNOW? .......................................................... 1
LESSON 1
SELECT THE IDEAL SITE FOR PLANTING CORN ................................... 5
WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT? ..................................................... 5
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN? ................................................................ 5
LET US STUDY ................................................................................. 5
LET US REMEMBER ...................................................................... 10
HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED? .............................................. 10
LET US APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED .................................. 11
RESOURCES .................................................................................. 11
REFERENCES ................................................................................ 12
LESSON 2
PREPARE THE LAND AND PLANT THE SEEDS .................................... 13
WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT? ................................................... 13
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN? .............................................................. 13
LET US STUDY ............................................................................... 13
LET US REMEMBER ...................................................................... 19
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED? ........................................................ 20
RESOURCES .................................................................................. 21
REFERENCES ................................................................................ 21
LESSON 3
CARE AND MAINTAIN THE GROWTH OF PLANTS ................................ 22
LET US STUDY ............................................................................... 22
LET US REMEMBER ...................................................................... 38
RESOURCES .................................................................................. 41
REFERENCES ................................................................................ 41
LESSON 4
DETERMINE THE MATURITY INDICES OF CORN, PERFORM PROPER WAY
OF HARVESTING AND SHELLING ........................................................ 42
LET US STUDY ............................................................................... 42
LET US REMEMBER ...................................................................... 45
RESOURCES .................................................................................. 47
REFERENCES ................................................................................ 47
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LESSON 5
DRY AND MARKET CORN .................................................................... 48
LET US STUDY ............................................................................... 48
LET US REMEMBER ...................................................................... 52
RESOURCES .................................................................................. 53
REFERENCES ................................................................................ 53
LESSON 6
STORE CORN PROPERLY ..................................................................... 54
LET US STUDY ............................................................................... 54
LET US REMEMBER ...................................................................... 59
RESOURCES .................................................................................. 60
REFERENCES ................................................................................ 60
LESSON 7
PREPARE AND KEEP FARM RECORDS ................................................ 61
LET US STUDY ............................................................................... 61
LET US REMEMBER ...................................................................... 64
RESOURCES .................................................................................. 65
REFERENCES ................................................................................ 65
POST TEST ........................................................................................... 65
KEY TO CORRECTION .......................................................................... 70
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MODULE II
QUALIFICATION TITLE : AGRICULTURAL CROP PRODUCTION NC I
UNIT OF COMPETENCY : SUPPORT AGRONOMIC CROP WORK AND

IRRIGATION
MODULE TITLE : PRODUCING CORN
NOMINAL DURATION : 200 HOURS
WHAT IS THIS MODULE ABOUT?
This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in

providing support for agronomic crop work and irrigation. Specifically, it
covers selecting the ideal site for planting, preparing the land and
planting the seeds, caring and maintaining the growth of plants,
determining the maturity indices of the crop, performing proper way of
harvesting and shelling, drying and marketing crops, storing corn seeds
properly, preparing and keeping farm records.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
Upon completion of this module, the students must be able to:

1. select the ideal site for planting corn;
2. prepare the land and plant the seeds;
3. care and maintain the growth of plants;
4. determine the maturity indices of the corn, perform the proper
way of harvesting and shelling;
5. dry and market corn;
6. store corn seeds properly; and
7. prepare and keep farm records.
WHAT DO YOU ALREADY KNOW?
Before you start studying the module, find out first how much you
know about corn production by taking the following test. Write the letter
of the best answer on your quiz notebook.
1. Corn belongs to the grass family Graminae and is botanically called

____________.
(a) Oryza Sativa Linn
(b) Zea maize Linn
(c) Vigna sinensis
(d) Sorghum bicolor
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2. A type of corn characterized by its sweetness ________________.
(a) has more sugar and little starch
(b) can be eaten as vegetable
(c) has quality for canning
(d) all of the above
3. There are different types of planting materials for corn. All of the
following are of these planting types except _______________.
(a) synthetic variety
(b) composite variety
(c) opaque variety
(d) corn hybrid variety
4. The climate of the Philippines is favorable for growing corn. What is

the factor that is most needed by the plants for growth during
flowering and grain filling?
(a) rainfall
(b) soil moisture
(c) temperature
(d) humidity
5. Land preparation is essential for uniform crop stand and effective

weed control. Which of the following land area needs more plowing
and harrowing?
(a) weedy field where trash is not plowed under
(b) sandy loam and weedy
(c) clay loam and clean of trashes
6. Corn varieties respond very well to nitrogen fertilizer, therefore,

organic fertilizer should be applied at
(a) planting time and side dress after two weeks
(b) planting time and hilling up
(c) planting time only
7. It is a microbial-based fertilizer for rice and corn converted nitrogen

from the air into ammonia used by the plants. This nitrogen
supplement is called __________.
(a) Rhizobia
(b) Azolla
(c) Bio-N
(d) Green algae
8. Hybrid corn needs 18 kilogram of seeds to plant while open-pollinated

corn varieties need
(a) 20 kg. per hectare
(b) 15 kg. per hectare
(c) 12 kg. per hectare
(d) 10 kg. per hectare
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9. If the number of growing plants is beyond the expected, uproot the
excess ones carefully. This method is called ____________.
(a) hardening
(b) thinning
(c) transplanting
(d) uprooting
10. Furrow irrigation is the most common method of irrigating the

corn, but if you want an efficient method to assume minimum
losses due to deep percolation and surface turn-off, you should
use _____________.
a. sprinkler method
b. diversion method
c. itch method
d. overhead method
11. Integrated pest management is the use of a combination of two or

more compatible farm management practices to minimize pest
population to non-destructive level except
a. knowledge of cultural practices
b. enhancement of biological agents
c. use of susceptible varieties
d. use of chemicals based on needs
12. One of the ways of controlling corn borer is through cultural

method. Which of the following does not belong to the group?
a. granular application before plowing
b. data selling
c. crop rotation
d. sanitation
13. They are considered as one of the enemies of crops because they
crowd and compete for sunlight, nutrients, water and space. What
kind of enemy are these?
a. rodents
b. pest
c. weeds
d. diseases
14. The age as well as the maturity of corn in the field can be
determined by counting the number of leaves. The first five leaves
require ___________ to fully open.
a. three days each
b. four days each
c. five days each
d. six days each
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15. What is the most common method of harvesting corn?
a. by hand picking
b. by machine picking
c. combination of the two
d. all of the above
16. Corn can be stored by means of product form and container type.
Which of the following is not a container type?
a. corn in cobs
b. corn crib
c. storage in bags
d. storage in bulk
17. Corn for storage should have at least __________ moisture content.
a. 10 percent
b. 12 percent
c. 14 percent
d. 16 percent
18. The method of planting that is suited for areas with abundant
precipitation and heavy soil types is
a. listed planting
b. ridged planting
c. flat-bed planting
d. hill planting
19. All of these are safety measures in farm operation except

___________.
a. use of proper clothing for the work
b. use of appropriate equipment for the work
c. use of damaged tools/equipment
d. always use sharp materials
20. There are precautions to follow in applying

insecticides/herbicides. Which of these does not belong to the
group?
a. Before using, always read the direction given by
manufacturers.
b. Wash hands and equipment thoroughly after spraying.
c. Always spray against the direction of the wind.
d. Place unused insecticide/herbicide out of reach of children.
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LESSON 1
SELECT THE IDEAL SITE FOR PLANTING CORN
WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?
This lesson deals with the selection of site and climatic

requirements appropriate to the crop. It also includes soil sampling and
soil analysis.
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. identify and discuss the factors to consider in the selection of the site;
2. determine the pH level and nutrient content of the soil;
3. select the appropriate site for corn production; and
4. appreciate the value of proper site selection in the establishment of a
corn project.
LET US STUDY
Let Us Define
Soil – the loose material of the land surface of the earth in which
plants find a place to grow.
Climate – the atmospheric condition of the earth surface prevailing for
a long period of time.
Temperature – the degree of hotness or coldness of the atmosphere at
a period of time.
Humidity – the degree of wetness especially in the atmosphere.
Soil pH – the range of acidity and alkalinity of the soil.
Corn – an annual plant with a tall solid stem, fibrous root system and
long narrow leaves borne alternately on either of the stem scientifically
called Zea maize Linn.
Topography – a description of all the surface features natural or
artificial, of a particular place.
Culms – the stem of the corn.
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Soil structure – to the arrangement of soil particles.
Soil texture – to the size of the soil particles.
Moisture retention – the holding power or ability of the soil to keep
water.
Rainfall – the amount of precipitation measured by rain gauge
expressed in depth either by inches, centimeters and millimeters.
Photo-periodism – the length of exposure to sunlight.
Corn is one of the major crops grown in the Ilocos region. It is

primarily for food and animal feeds to support the poultry, swine and
cattle raisers, feed millers, green corn vendors and cornik processors.
Glutinous corn could be harvested as “green” and as a “grain” to be
processed as chicharon or cornik. Similarly, yellow corn for the
manufacture of animal feeds.
High yield and maximum profit is the main goal of corn growers
thus the following technology must be employed.
A. Selection of the site
There are three factors to consider in selecting the site

for corn production. They are:
1. Soil. Corn yields can be doubled, tripled and even quadrupled

by using the new improved varieties with modern cultural
practices on suitable soil and climate. High yield of corn may be
obtained with the following soil conditions.
a. Well drained roots develop best in well-drained soil.

b. At least 80 cm deep – a deep soil holds moisture and
provides the needed nutrients for the plant. Corn grows
well in a field that is slightly rolling to flat/level and fairly
deep. Such topography will minimize stagnant water in
the field.
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c. Medium textured – a loam to silt loam soil is most
favorable but soil texture from sandy loam to clay are well
suited.
d. Corn grows well in a pH value of 5.3 to 6.0 but it could be
grown with a higher pH of 8.0.
e. Moisture retentive – the holding power or ability of the soil
to keep water is called moisture retention. Corn requires
large amount of water so that moisture retentive soil is
especially needed for good yields of “second and third
crop” of corn.
f. High in organic matter – high organic matter gives a soil

better tilt or slant, increases moisture retentions and
provides better release rates of plant nutrients during the
growing season.
g. High fertility – most Philippine soil require the macro
elements Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium for higher
yields of corn.
h. Seasonal moisture conditions – on a given soil, an even
seasonal distribution of rainfall affects corn harvest.
2. Climatic requirement
The climate of the Philippines is favorable for growing

corn particularly in regions where rainfall is evenly distributed
throughout the year. Optimal production of corn requires an
ample and continuous supply of available soil moisture and
abundant sunlight. It is successfully grown in places at sea level
up to about 3.050 meters or 10,000 feet high. The climatic
factors for corn production are the following:
1. Rainfall – corn must receive a rainfall at least 200-1,500

mm during the growing period. The optimum seasonal
rainfall is probably between 400-600 mm. This amount of
rain should be well-distributed during the growing period.
However, in areas with scarce precipitation, supplemental
irrigation is necessary during the growth stage of the
plant.
2. Soil moisture – adequate soil moisture with plentiful
nutrients is most needed by the plants for growth during
flowering and grain filling stages. During dry season,
irrigation is necessary.
3. Temperature – corn is a warm-season crop requiring high
temperature during the day and night. Low temperature
(10C or 50F) delays maturity. For optimum growth,
sunny days and cool night temperature are necessary.
Technical information related to water requirement in

growing corn is as follows:
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1. The amount of water transpired depends on the stage of
development of the plant and climatic factors.
2. A single mature corn plant may transpire 30.28 liters of
water a week.
3. Total water needed is higher in infertile than in poor soils
4. A shortage of moisture in the soil during early growth:
a. slows down vegetative growth

b. delays silking and tasselling
c. results in non-synchronization of silking and
tasselling
5. The greatest need of corn for high moisture is during the
tasselling and silking stage.
6. A shortage of water from 2-8 days during the tasselling
period will reduce corn harvest by 20-50 percent.
7. Shortage of water supply throughout the growing season
results to:
a. stunted growth
b. more root growth in relation to top growth
c. poor leaf growth
d. delayed silking and tasselling
e. delayed maturity
f. small, poorly filled ears
3. Location. Location is also very important in corn production.

We must consider the following:
a. Accessibility to roads and market. Areas near roads and

markets are best for easy transport.
b. Available source of water. We all know that water is very
important in the growth and development of corn.
c. Peace and order in the community. Peace and order is also
very important to avoid quarrelling.
d. Topography of the area. A fertile, well-drained site with a
favorable topography (slightly rolling or level) is a very
promising corn field. However, the place should be free of
stray animals to assure bumper harvest.
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e. Availability of good labor supply. Farm workers are needed
in the farm so their services should be readily available at
the different stages of the corn.
The best site for corn production

Testing the soil pH and soil fertility is also a must
before planting corn. The following steps in taking up
samples are:
1. Survey the land area and take five spots at random for
soil sample.
2. Scrape the surface soil and clean the area from trashes.
3. Get a slice from 5 spots with their corresponding label.
4. Air dry the soil samples for one day.
5. Pulverize the soil finely and place in a plastic with
corresponding label.
6. Bring the soil sample to the Bureau of Soils in order to
know the fertilizer requirement and pH value of the soil.
Another method of testing the pH value of the soil is by
the use of the pH scale.
The degree of alkalinity/acidity of the soil can be
determined by the use of indicator paper (litmus) using water
and lime. Take one teaspoon of soil from the soil samples
and dilute with water and lime. Shake to make solution. Dip
the indicator paper in the soil solution and note any change
in pH. If red color indicates in the solution, the soil is acidic,
if brown, neutral; and if green, the soil is alkaline.
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Very
Alkaline
9
8 Moderately
Alkaline
7
Neutral
6 Moderately
Acidic
5 Strongly
Acidic
The pH Scale
LET US REMEMBER
High yield and maximum profit is the main goal of corn growers.
Proper selection of the site is very important to earn more profit. The
greatest need of corn for high soil moisture is during the tasseling and
silking stage.
HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED?
Multiple Choice: Write the letter of the correct answer in your quiz
notebook.
1. The corn belongs to the grass family Graminae and is botanically

called _____________.
(a) Sorghum bicolor
(b) Zea maize Linn
(c) Oryza saliva Linn
(d) Vigna sinensis
2. The climate of the Philippines is favorable for growing corn. What is

the factor that is most needed by the plants for growth during
flowering and grain filling?
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(a) rainfall
(b) soil moisture
(c) temperature
(d) humidity
3. Corn grows well in pH value of 5.3 – 6.0 but it could be grown with a
higher ph of _____________.
(a) 7.0 (b) 8.0 (c) 8.5 (d) 9.0
4. Most Philippine soil requires the macro elements nitrogen,

phosphorus and potassium for higher yields of corn. What is the
function of nitrogen to the plants?
(a) for flower setting
(b) for root development
(c) for vegetative growth
(d) for bud formation
5. Corn is a warm-season crop requiring high temperature during the

day and night. Lower temperature of ___________ delays maturity.
(a) 10 C or 50F
(b) 5 C or 55F
(c) 15 C or 50F
(d) 20 C or 55F
LET US APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
Your teacher will rate your performance using the following rubric.
Rating
Activities 1 2 3 4 5
1. Accessibility of road
2. Available water supply
3. Exposure to sunlight
4. Soil condition
Rating Scale
1 – 94 – 98
2 – 89 – 93
3 – 84 – 88
4 – 79 – 83
5 – 75 – 78
RESOURCES
Farm land
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Vicinity map
Soil testing kit
Books
REFERENCES
Technology and Home Economics

(Crop Production 1) SEDP
Corn Production Technology
Martina F. Tinguil, MMSU, Batac

PCARRD, UPLB
Tropical Agriculture
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LESSON 2
PREPARE THE LAND AND PLANT THE SEEDS
This lesson is about land preparation as well as the tools and

materials, and safety precautions in using them. Also included are the
factors to consider in choosing the variety of plants, proper time of
planting, method of planting, distance, depth and the rate of planting
corn.
The end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. identify the tools and equipment in preparing the land;

2. clear the land from heavy trashes before tilling;
3. plow and harrow the field thoroughly;
4. enumerate and explain the factors to consider in choosing the
variety to plant;
5. select appropriate varieties to plant;
6. plant corn observing proper time, methods, distance, depth and
rate of seeding; and
7. use tools and equipment following safety precautions.
LET US STUDY
Let Us Define
Cultivation – the process of loosening or breaking the soil in order to

increase productivity.
Plowing – the basic tillage operation.
Harrowing – an operation after plowing to break and pulverize the
soil.
Furrow – a trench made by a plow.
Drainage – process of removing excess water from the soil in order to
increase its productivity.
Hybrid corn – the first generation of a cross that involves two or more
inbred lines.
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Open-pollinated corn – corn grown over a long period of time and
maintained by natural cross pollination from generation to generation.
Synthetic variety – developed by combining good inbred lines from
one or more varieties by allowing at least one generation to stabilize.
Composite breed –a population representing one or more varieties of
synthetic.
Germination – giving rise to new plant from a seed or a bud in the
presence of a favorable condition.
Land Preparation
A seedbed which is deep, well pulverized yet fairly compact is

excellent for corn production. Good land preparation is essential for
uniform crop stand and effective weed control.
How to prepare the land:
Plow the field to allow plant/weeds biomass decomposition to

attain thorough land preparation. A clayey and weedy field
requires more plowing. In a weedy field where trash is not
plowed under, a second or third operation maybe needed to
obtain a clean seedbed. Plowing is done when the field is of
the right moisture, that is when soil particles is 13 cm below
the ground and only a thin portion sticks to the finger but no
ball is formed. However, sandy loam soil is easier to plow and
harrow than clayey soil. Plowing is done with either a tractor
or animal drawn plow with a depth of at least 12-18 cm (6-8
inches) to turn all the surface growth.
Plowing using tractor Animal-drawn plowing
Harrowing is done for the first time when the soil has the
right moisture content. It is done again within two days
before planting to level the soil.
Make furrows a day before or at the day of planting at 75 cm
spacing and at 8 cm deep.
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Tools and Equipment
1. Plow – used to break the soil with the use of an animal

2. Harrow – used to pulverize and level the soil
3. Tractor – mechanical equipment in breaking the soil
4. Cultivator – mechanical equipment in leveling the soil
5. String – a guide in making straight furrows
6. Container
7. Water pump
8. Hose
Safety Precautions in the Use of Tools
1. Always check the tools and equipment before using them.

2. Use the appropriate tool for the kind of work to be
accomplished.
3. Use proper clothing adapted to the kind of work.
4. Always use sharp tools.
5. After using the tools and equipment, clean them and
return to their proper place.
CORN VARIETIES:
1. Open-pollinated variety. This corn seed variety is grown over a

long period of time and maintained by natural cross pollination
from generation to generation. It is usually distinguished by its
earliness in maturity, color and shape of the kernel, ear husk and
other agronomic characteristics.
2. Synthetic variety.
Corn can synthetically
be developed by
combining good inbred
lines from one or more
varieties by allowing at
least one generation to
stabilize. Synthetic
variety may be
developed from single
crosses, multiple
crosses, etc. Seeds of
synthetic variety could
be taken from previous harvest provided they are not
contaminated.
3. Composite. This is a population representing one or more distinct

characteristics of an advance generation cross from two or more
varieties or synthetic. An example is the Philippine DMR Comp. 1
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which is derived from advance generation of crosses of varieties
that is resistant to downy mildew.
4. Corn hybrid. This is the first generation of a cross that involved

two or more inbred lines. These inbred lines are obtained within
four to five generation from successive self-pollination of
inbreeding. Several kinds of hybrids are possible depending upon
the number of inbred lines involved.
a. Single cross hybrid – cross between two inbred lines A x B
b. Three way cross hybrid – cross between single cross and
inbred lines, (A x B) x C
c. Double cross hybrid – cross between two single crosses,
(A x B) (C x D)
d. Multiple cross hybrid – first generation of a cross involving
more than four inbred lines,
(A x B) (C x D) (E x R) (A x B) (C x D) (A x R) (G x H)
e. Variety cross hybrid or Top crosses inbred variety – cross
between two corn
varieties, e.g. A x open
pollinated variety.
If you cross two inbred lines A
and B, the resulting progeny is
single cross. C x D will produce
double cross hybrid seeds.
Hybrid corn generally has
higher yield, uniform ear and plant
height, uniform maturity and
characteristics needed for machine
harvesting. It is always advisable to
plant seeds of the first generation
hybrid since there is a general
decline or decrease in yield in the
succeeding generation which results
to 40-50 percent yield reduction
from the previous crop yield, less
uniform in growth height in
maturity period.
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Corn varieties/hybrid recommended for the Philippines
Varieties Grain Seed Flintness Maturity Reaction Corn Area of Source
Hybrid/ Yield Color (days) to downy borer Adaptation of
seeds
kg/ha) mildew
Field Corn
UPCA Var 1 5094 Yellow Semi-flint 105-110 VS MT Luzon UPLB
BPI Var 1 4813 Yellow Flint 105-110 VS MT Luzon BPI
IPB Var 1 5290 Orange Flint 105-110 MR MT Phil UPLB
Phil DMR 2 4584 White Flint 100-105 R S Phil UPLB
Phil DMR 4677 Yellow Flint 95-100 R S Phil UPLB

Comp 1
Phil DMR 4601 White Flint 95-100 R S Phil UPLB

Comp 2
MIT 2 4148 White Flint 95-100 R S Mindanao MIT
Pioneer 5646 Yellow Semi-flint 100-105 R MT Phil Pioneer

6181 Phil
VS – very susceptible, MR – moderately resistant, S – susceptible, R

resistant,
MT – moderately tolerant
Corn Types and Corn Planting Materials
There are many types or groups of corn based on the proportion

and distribution of hard and soft starch in the grain.
Types of Corn
In the Philippines, there are five types of commercially grown

corn classified according to kernel characteristic. Each type may have
kernel color either as yellow, white, purple or red.
1. Flint corn (Zea mays var. indurate). Flint corn is characterized by

the presence of relatively large amount of hard starch layer at the
sides and on top of the grain. The kernels appear hard and smooth
and the kernels are rounded at the tip. Flint corn kernels are white
and yellow. The white flint corn is used primarily in making “rice
corn” and starch production. The yellow flint corn is used for
poultry and livestock feeds. This type is the most widely grown for
it has the most variety of uses.
2. Dent corn (Zea mays var. indentata). This is characterized by the

presence of small hollow or depression on top of the kernel. Most of
the hard starch is found on the sides of the kernel and soft starch
in the center. When the kernel dries, a “dent” or wrinkle is
produced in the end of the grain as the soft starch shrinks leaving
a depression on top of the kernel thus it is sometimes called a “she
corn”.
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3. Glutinous or waxy corn (Zea mays var. ceretina). Glutious corn is
popularly known as “lagkitan” because of the waxy appearance of
the kernels and the gummy (glutinous) starch. The endosperm is
composed of amylopectin, which is a mixture of amylose and
pectin. The green ears are either roasted or boiled while the roasted
kernel are boiled as “binatog” or could be processed into “cornik”.
Newly harvested grains resemble those of plain corn but when
thoroughly dry, waxy corn seeds are dull white while flint corn
kernels are shiny. White glutinous corn is more popular than
yellow glutinous corn. Waxy corn is also the outcome of a single
gene mutation, which effect the chemical composition of the starch.
4. Sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata). This type of corn is
characterized by its sweetness. The grains appear translucent and
horny when immatured and wrinkled when dried. This type has
more sugar and little starch making it especially suited for boiling
in “green” form, eaten as vegetable and also for canning purposes.
Yellow sweet corn is more popular than the white sweet corn.
5. Pop corn (Zea mays var. praecox). In grains of pop corn, almost all
the endosperm is composed of hard starch. The kernels pop and
burst open when heated because of steam originally trapped inside
the very hard wall of the kernel. Pop corns are used intensively for
confectionary purposes.
Planting
Plant corn after the land has been prepared thoroughly and the soil
has the right moisture. The soil must contain at least 19-25% moisture
so that corn seeds will germinate.
Points to remember in planting:
 Hybrid corn requires 18 kg. of seeds to plant a hectare

while open-pollinated corn varieties need 20 kg of seeds
per hectare.
 Plant 1-2 seeds per hill spaced 20-25 cm. between hills
with a row distance of 75 cm. Some hybrid with erect
leaves can tolerate closer spacing of up to 15 cm.
 Plant 2-3 seeds per hill spaced 50 cm between hills with a
row spacing of 75 cm. apart.
Methods of Planting:
1. Surfaced or flatbed planting. Seeds are planted at a

seedbed depth and row spacing. It is suited in areas of
abundant precipitation and heavy soil types.
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2. Listed planting. The seeds are placed at the bottom of the
V-shaped furrow. A lister, which is a double moldboard
blade, is used for opening furrow of this kind. It is practiced
in areas where rainfall is a limiting factor, where soil
drainage is good and the soil is friable. This method is
commonly used in the Ilocos.
3. Ridged planting. The seeds are sown 3-4 cm deep and on

top of the ridge. It is suited where irrigation by furrow is
practiced.
Reminders:
 Use mechanical planters when available for uniform
depth of planting.
 In areas where corn is is planted after rice, flush
irrigate the field immediately after planting.
 To minimize the pest problems, practice synchronous
plating in your locality.
 Population density per hectare ranges from 50,000 to
75,000 plants.
 Thinning, cultivating and weeding must be done 20-30
days after planting.
 If the number of growing plants is beyond the
expected, uproot the excess ones carefully.
 Do shallow cultivation by off-barring or hilling-up to
control weeds. This could be done by the use of a
native plow or cultivator attached to a tractor.
LET US REMEMBER
Corn is one the major crops grown n the Philippines. It is

primarily grown for food and animal feeds. Good land preparation
is essential for uniform crop stand and effective weed control. At
the same time, time of planting will also increase production.
19
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?
Multiple Choice: Write the letter of your answer on your quiz notebook.
1. There are many types or groups of corn planted in our country.

Which corn type is popularly known as “lagkitan”?
a. popcorn
b. glutinous
c. dent
d. flint
2. The type of planting material that is maintained by natural

cross-pollination from generation to generation is the
_______________.
a. open-pollinate variety
b. synthetic variety
c. composite variety
d. corn hybrid
3. The following are the agronomic characteristics of hybrid corn

except ___________.
a. higher yield
b. uniform maturity
c. uniform earn and height maturity
d. resistance to all kinds of pests and diseases
4. The purpose of thorough land preparation is to _______________.

a. allow weeds biomass decomposition
b. repair levees and outlets of water
c. promote the growth and development of weeds
d. all of the above
5. Corn varieties respond very well to nitrogen fertilizer, therefore,

organic fertilizer should be applied at
a. planting time and sidedress after two weeks
b. planting time and at hilling-up
c. two after planting time
d. planting time only
20
Perform land preparation as well as planting in your respective

areas. Remember the precautions and safety measures in farm
operation. You will be rated using the following rubric:
Rating Scale
A. Land preparation
Clearing the area
Follow correct procedure in
plowing
Harrow the field very well
Observe proper use of
tools/equipment
B. Planting
Make furrow
Follow correct procedure
Follow PPE
Rating Scale
1 – 94 – 98
2 – 89 – 93
3 – 84 – 88
4 – 79 – 83
5 – 75 – 78
RESOURCES
Plow Tractor/Carabao
Harrow Container
Planting materials Strings
Water pump
REFERENCES
Corn Production Manual, MMSU, Batac

Crop Production I
Tinguil Martina F. Corn Production Technology. Batac;

MMSU, Ilocos Norte, 2006
21
LESSON 3
CARE AND MAINTAIN THE GROWTH OF PLANTS
This lesson is about maintaining the growth of plants. It includes

the methods of irrigation, weeds, insect pest and diseases and their
control.
1. identify and discuss the methods of irrigation;

2. irrigate the field correctly;
3. determine the fertilizer requirement of corn;
4. perform the application of fertilizer;
5. identify and control weeds in corn production;
6. identify and control insect pests and diseases
7. observe the safety measures in field operation; and
8. consider the importance of irrigation, weed, insect pests and
disease control in the success of corn production.
LET US STUDY
Let Us Define
Fertilizer – either organic and inorganic substance that promotes growth

and development of plants.
Insect Pest – insect that annoys or destroy plants.
Disease – any abnormal condition on the functions of the different parts
of the plants.
Irrigation – the system of introducing water at a given area either by
gravity or artificial means.
Detasselling – the removal of tassels of the corn plants before pollen
shed.
Weed – any plant that is out of place that competes with the growth and
development of plants.
Integrated Pests Management (IPM) - the use of combination of two or
more compatible farm management practices to minimize pest
population to a non-destructive level without extravagant use of
farm chemicals.
22
Irrigation/Water Management
Moisture is a common factor limiting the production of corn.

Irrigation is necessary to supplement the water requirement of the crop
particularly in regions receiving less rain. Water is essential in the
release of soil nutrient fort the plants. Corn requires 41 to 65 cm. of
water during the growing season. About 20 kg per hectare of grain are
produced for each mm. of water. The average daily water consumption of
corn approximately equal to field evaporation (4-5 mm per day) during
the first two weeks after planting. The demand for water increase as the
plant grows. It reaches a maximum of 6-8 mm/day during the silking
and soft dough stages. If water supply becomes critically inadequate
during this period, the potential yield may be reduced by 20 – 50 percent.
Methods of Irrigating Corn
1. Furrow irrigation. This is the common method of irrigating

corn, which consist of running water going downward the slope
of the furrows between rows. When the soil is fully saturated, it
means that the right amount of water has been supplied.
2. Sprinkler irrigation. This is an efficient method to assume
minimum losses due to deep percolation and surface run-off.
However, the method requires the use of expensive equipment
and highly skilled manpower.
23
Water deficiency
during any period of the
corn plant’s growth can
reduce yield. However,
severe drought and high
temperature during
tasselling are the most
detrimental and only
one irrigation is
possible, its application
at this stage usually
offers the greatest
return. Early water
stress during the
vegetative stage may
shorten the plant, does not reduce yield as much as stress during the
reproductive or grain filling stages. When corn leaves are observed to
be tightly rolled in the morning, water is needed immediately. Maintain
a moist soil up to the hard dough stage. After this, soil moisture can be
depleted without any effect on yield.
Weeds and their Control
Weeds are the unwanted plant companion of crops. Besides

serving as host to plant pests and diseases, they can reduce corn yields
by as much as 50 to 80 percent if left uncontrolled. The different classes
of weeds that usually infest the cornfield are as follows:
24
1. Grasses. This group is composed of species belonging to
family Graminae or Poaceae which, in vegetative form ranges from
small tufted or erect to creeping annual or perennials. The stem or
grasses are called culms which have well-defined swellings or
nodes at regular intervals from which the leaves arise. Some
examples of grasses that grow in the corn fields are:
a. Crow foot grass (Dactyloctenium aegytium). It is an

annual flowering the whole year round.
b. Giling (Paspalidium flavidum). It is a loosely unbranched
herb with somewhat compressed culms. The spikes are pale,
densely arranged in two rows about 3 mm long. The roots
are wiry. Adventitious roots generally arise during the
intermediate growth stages of the plant. It is an annual weed
flowering year round.
2. Sedges. This group bears general resemblance to the

grasses but this species belong to the family Cyperacease.
They can normally be identified by their triangular stem,
absence of legules and the fussion of one sheath to form a
tube round the stem. The leaves usually run linear and all
borne in a rosette arrangement on a stemlike structure. The
portion under the ground is a tuberous or elongated rhizome,
commonly called bulb. This group is represented by purple
nutsedge, a troublesome species.
Example:
Balinsanga (Cyperus rotundus). The flowering stem is
triangular and usually longer than the basal leaves.
3. Broad leaves. These are those with more expanded leaf blade
and those with two or more blades in a petiole. They are:
a. Ageratum (Billy goat weed). It is a branched herb, erect

and hairy. Leaves are ovate and crevate 5 to 13 cm long.
The heads are small, terminal corymbs with acute green
bracts. It is an annual weed flowering all year round.
b. Celosia argentea with a local name of san-sandok. It is an
annual weed and flowers from August to February.
c. Cleome rutidosperma. It has no local name. It is an erect
herb with spreading branches.
d. Erphorbia hirta with an English name as asthma weed
and cat’s hair. Milky sap is extracted from freshly cut
stems. Leaves are elliptic-oblong to oblong lanceolate
oblique, serrulaate 1 to25 cm long. Capsule is hairy, 3
angled 1.5 cm or less long.
e. Ipomoea triloba. This weed is commonly called in Ilocos
as marakamote. It is herbaceous and has a twining stem.
Fruits are depressed capsule about 6 mm in diameter. It
is an annual and flowers the year round.
25
f. Mimosa pudica. Common name is Makahiya in Tagalog,
Bain-bain in Ilocano. They are sensitive, closed when
touched. Flowers are pink, numerous in long-peduncled
heads with mild fragrant odor. It is annual or perennial
and flowers all the year round.
Weeds can be effectively controlled by any or a combination

of these methods:
1. Cultural method – This includes thorough land

preparation, basal fertilizer application in the rows and
sowing of good and clean seeds, uniform density and
optimum population.
2. Physical method – This consists of cultivation (off-
barring) and hilling-up), hand pulling, hoeing and
spading.
3. Chemical method – These are selective herbicides used to
control corn weeds.
Integrated Weed Control
Weeds are more effectively controlled by a combination of practices

than by one practice employed singly. The type of combination depends
on weed species present, availability and comparative cost of labor and
herbicides in the farm.
Good cultural practices will produce healthy, vigorous and
uniformly-spaced seedlings that compete well with weeds. The canopy of
such plants interlap earlier thereby depriving weeds growing between the
rows with sunlight.
Uprooting or burying the weeds reduces the weed density thus
avoiding or minimizing its competition with the crop. However, this
cannot control weeds between the rows which can reduce yield by 33
percent.
To control weeds between rows, square planting (“dama-dama”)
should be used. This enables farmers to do off-barring (turning the soil
away from the base of the plant cover the weeds in row twice. The
second off-barring is done at the right angle to the first. This practice
increases yield by as much as 20 percent.
Off-barring should be done 14 to 18 days after planting and hilling-
up, 26 to 34 days after planting. As much as possible, do not delay the
cultivation that can result to luxuriant weed growth. Late weeding
removal may also seriously damage corn roots.
Selective herbicides adequately control susceptible weed species

with little or no crop injury. Continuous overall spraying of selective
herbicides (three seasons or more), however, may lead to the predominate
of weed species resistant to herbicide treatment can be halted by (a)
rotations of herbicides; (b) follow-up treatments with non-selective
herbicide applied as directed spray to the weed; and (c) cultivation and
hand-weeding of weeds which survive the herbicide treatment.
26
Integrated weed control practices for more effective weed control are
shown below.
Integrated Weed Control Practice As A Better Means Of Weed Control
Fertilization
Sufficient supply of soil nutrients is necessary to obtain high

yields in corn. Corn should be given the right amount and kind of
nutrients at the proper time. Corn varieties respond very well to
nitrogen fertilizers. But they also need other elements like
phosphorous, potassium, and lesser amounts of calcium,
magnesium, sulfur, zinc, and others. Fertilizer application with the
use of Bio-N/Vital N are as follows:
a. Basal – 4 bags per hectare of 14-14-14

b. Sidedress – 2 bags/hectare of urea applied before hilling-up
c. Bio-N one pack/3 kg seeds. Apply/coat Bio-N to moisten
corn seeds uniformly before planting. Do not expose the
inoculated seeds to direct sunlight.
d. Vital – N – 1 pack (100 g) per bag of corn seed
With the use of inorganic fertilizer:
a. Basal – 8 bags complete fertilizer per hectare

b. Sidedress – 5 bags ammonium sulfate or 2 bags urea applied
before hilling-up
Apply the recommended rate of fertilizer organic or inorganic

combination, based on crop uptake, soil analysis and/or actual
fertilization trials done in the area. Apply all the phosphorous
(P) and potassium (K) and half of the nitrogen (N) requirement in
the furrows at planting time. Cover the fertilizer wit thin layers
of soil of about 2 centimeters.
27
For organic fertilizer, all are applied at planting time. They
are usually supplemented with organic fertilizer when initially
used. If you are not sure of the soil requirement, apply 60 – 120
kilogram of nitrogen and 30 – 60 kilograms of phosphorous and
45 – 60 kilos of potassium per hectare. Apply the remaining
dose of recommended nitrogenous fertilizer (urea) in straight
band along the furrows about 6 centimeters on the side of the
plants (sidedressing). Cover the fertilizer immediately after
sidedressing by hilling-up operation at 25 to 30 days after
planting or when the plants are about knee level high.
For acidic soils, soils with pH value of 5.3 or lower, lime
application must be done to increase the soil pH, otherwise the
yield of the corn will decrease. Plow the lime a week before
planting for better incorporation in the soil. A usual rate of 3
tons per hectare is recommend but this varies depending on the
magnitude and nature of soil acidity.
Bio-N, a nitrogen supplement for corn, could be used. Bio-N

is a microbial-based fertilizer for corn and rice. It is mainly
composed of microorganisms that can convert nitrogen from the
air into ammonia and provide some of the nitrogen of rice and
corn. Our pack of Bio-N can be used in 3 kilograms of corn.
Put the corn seed in a container, moisten them and add Bio-N.
Mix thoroughly until seeds are evenly coated. Plant the seeds
immediately. Do not expose the inoculated seeds to sunlight.
Insect Pests and their Control
Integrated pest management (IPM) is the use of a combination of

two or more compatible farm management practices to minimize pest
population to a non-destructive level – without extravagant use of farm
chemicals. IPM explicitly means:
Use of chemicals based on need

Utilization of economic threshold levels
Use of resistant varieties
Knowledge of cultural practices
Enhancement of biological agents
IPM ensures farmers of an increased profit, less health hazards

and fewer pest outbreaks by maintaining the pest-parasite/predator
relationship in the field.
28
Insect Pest:
1. Asiatic corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis guenee)
Description:
The eggs are flat, scale-like whitish,
shiny cream to pale yellow in color when
newly laid and turns black before hatching.
The egg size is about 0.5 mm laid in a mass
about 25 to 50 eggs/mass mostly laid on
the lower surface of the leaves. The
incubation period is 3-5 days.
The newly hatched larva has creamy white to pinkish body

with dark semi-circular spots with black
or brown head. The full-grown larva is
lightly brownish yellow about 17-29 mm.
long spotted with numerous brown and
semi-circular spots. There are 5 instar
from 14 to 41 days (average 18 days).
This is the most destructive stage from
whorl to maturity.
The pupa is light to dark brown in color,

which is about 12-18 mm long, 2.8-4.0 mm
wide. The pupa period is 5 to 12 days. The
male adult is smaller than the female adult,
which is yellowish brown with waxy dark lines
on wings. The wing expansion is about 35
mm. Female lays an average of 30. Longevity
is 4 to 10 days.
Alternate Host: Sorghum, soybean,

mongo, okra, tomato, tobacco, pepper, sugar cane, cotton, millet,
string beans, morning glory.
Damage Characteristics:
- Pinhole size lesions on leaves
caused by 1st instar larvae
- Matched-head size holes and
elongated lesions on leaves and
leaf
- sheaths caused by 2nd – 3rd
instar larvae
- Clumping of tassels and/or broken tassels, boring in the
stalks, shanks, husks, and ears by 3rd – 5th instar larvae
- Broken stalks and leaves
- Premature drying of the whole plant and ear
- Partial destruction of cobs
29
Damage caused by corn stemborer
Growth stage affected: Whorl to maturity
Pest management recommendations
Cultural Method:
1. Detasselling. Detassel or remove the tassel of 75% of the corn
plants before pollen shed. Follow 1:3 ratio of tassel and the
detasseled rows. The first row should always be tasseled. Tassels
removed could be used as feeds to animals.
2. Synchronized planting. Avoid late planting.
3. Sanitation. Cut and burn straw piles after a corn stem borer
infestation.
4. Manual picking. Crush egg masses and larvae.
5. Plant resistant varieties or Pt-protected seed.
6. Practice crop rotation coupled with weed elimination.
Biological Control
Release of Trichogramma at 20 Tricho cards per hectare when 3-5
egg masses/100 plants are observed.
Chemical Control
1. Granular application of insecticide as pre-plant or applied at whorl
30 – 35 days after planting
2. Spray insecticide when tassel emergence reached 75% and show of
10% infestation.
3. White grub (Leucopholis irrotata)
Description:
The eggs are white elongated about 2.5 m diameter, which are laid
singly in the soil at 10 cm deep with 50 eggs per female. The incubation
period is 10-16 days. The newly hatched larva is white that turns light
brown. The full-grown larva is pale yellow with large brown head and the
30
abdomen appeared because of intestinal contents. The body is wrinkled
with prominent back and ventral bristles. The grub is the most
destructive stage. The whole larva period spans from 252 to 336 days.
When ready to pupate, they dig deeper into the soil, remain inactive and
enclosed in underground pupa cell. The color of the pupa is dark brown.
Adults come out of the soil at the onset of the rainy season, mate and
later burrow into the soil to lay eggs.
Alternate Host: Wide range of host plants. Adults feed on fruit

tree leaves.
Damage characteristics:
1. Root pruning causing wilting and eventually death of the corn.

2. Irregular patches of stunted, yellowing of plans is the first
indication of its presence.
Growth stage affected: Emergence to early whorl and may extend to

reproductive stage during heavy infestation.
Pest management control
Cultural Methods:
1. Plant resistant varieties
2. Practice crop rotation
3. Avoid planting other crops which may serve as host to corn
earworm near cornfield.
Biological Control
Release Trichogramma parasites as soon as eggs are noticed on
plant or silks.
Chemical Control
- Spraying insecticide directly into the plant whorl, or silks at
flowering stage
-
3. Corn semilooper (Chrysodeixis chalcites)
Description:
The eggs are pearl and spherical in shape, which are laid singly on
leaves. Around 400 eggs are laid per female. The incubation period is 3
days. The larva is greenish with lighter dorsal ad lateral stripes with a
body length up to 50 mm. The larva moves with a looping motion. There
are 6 molting in 11-13 days. This is the destructive stage. Pupation
takes place either in silver cocoon on lower surface of leaves or in the
soil. Newly emerged pupa is light green then turns reddish brown before
adult emergence. Pupal period is 7 days. Brownish with golden bronze
is the color of the adult. With the presence of Y-loke mark and white
spot on the forewings.
31
Alternate host. Rice, sorghum, sugar cane, tobacco, soybean, peanut,
mungbean, eggplant, tomato, pechay and raddish
Damage characteristics
 elongated lesions or shredding of leaves due to feeding on
the soft tissues but sparing the veins.
 corn silk is cut
Growth stage affected: One-leaf stage to silking
Cultural methods
 Synchronized planting
 Handpicking
 Plow fields to remove weeds, which may serve as alternate
host.
 Hasten growth of plants by cultivation and fertilizer
application
Chemical control – spray insecticide
4. Common cutworm (Spodoptera litura fabricius)
Description:
The eggs are round, pearl white, laid in mass on leaves or objects
on the ground and covered with yellowish brown hairs. One female can
lay egg masses, with an average of 300 eggs per egg mass. The
incubation period is 3-5 days. Newly hatched larva is greenish with a
dark longitudinal band on each side. Full-grown larva is dark green with
bright yellow dorsal line and lateral stripes with black spot. Larval period
is 20-30 days. This is the destructive stage. The pupa is reddish brown
in color which is about 1.6 cm long. Pupation period ranges from 6-10
days. The body length of the moth is 20 – 25 mm. The forewings are
purplish brown with numerous color lines and spots. The hind wings are
whitish with narrow band along the outer margins.
Alternate host: Sorghum, sugar cane, soybeans, beans, cabbage
 young plants completely defoliated
 cut stems and leaves
 leaves including veins and midribs almost consumed
32
Pest management recommendations:
Cultural method:
 Collect egg masses and crash them.
 Collect larva early in the morning and kill them.
 Plow fields to remove weeds, which may serve as alternate
host.
 Light trapping for adults.
Chemical method – use insecticide
5. Army worms
Species: Black army worms (BAW) Spodeptera exemta Walker
Grass army worms (GAW) Spodeptera mauritia Baisdoval
True army worm (TAW) Mythimna separate Walker
Description:
The eggs of the GAW are yellow or pearly pale yellow, sub globular
and slightly flattened, which are laid in mass on leaves covered with buff
colored hairs. For the TAW, eggs are smooth, spherical and milky white.
An egg mass contain 200-445 eggs. The incubation period is 3-5 days.
The larva of GAW is light to dark brown with pale stripes on each
side along the back. Generally the BAW is black, the head is faintly
mottled with dark brown spots, light yellow median line on the back with
narrow stripes on the side. Greenish or purplish-brown on the back but
pale ventrally. (TAW); above and beneath the spiracle is a pale stripe
with dark line running posterior down the middle of the back. The larval
period is 14-25 days (GAW); 13 -17 days (BAW) 16 – 18 days (TAW). This
is the destructive stage.
Through all common cutworms, the color of the pupa is reddish
brown. Pupation takes place in the soil for a period of 7–10 days.
 Leaves irregularly chewed.
 In serious injury, whole plants are stripped bare leaving
only the midrib.
 Late whorl infestation may damage the young tassel.
 Feeding on silks may occur at flowering period.
Growth stage affected: late whorl to grain filling stage
Cultural method:
 Practice clean culture by eliminating weeds that serve as
host
 Egg masses and larvae are collected and crashed
Chemical control: use of insecticide
33
6. Corn aphids (Rhophalosiphum maidis Fitvh)
Description:
The nymph and adult is small, pear shape, pale to dark color. The
head is marked with 2 longitudinal dark bands. The abdomen has two
black spots on its side. Winged adult is 1.3 mm long by 0.5 mm wide.
They can reproduce without males and can reproduce after 11 days.
Alternate host: Sugar cane, and other graminaceous plants.
Damage Characteristics:
Stunted growth due to removal of plant sap by cluster of insects
(aphid)
2–3 weeks before tasselling.
 Corn seedlings may wither and die if infested at early growth stage.
 Sooty appearance of infested leaves and tassel caused by fungal
infection.
 May transmit the sugarcane mosaic virus and maize dwarf mosaic
virus.
Growth stage affected: Early whorl to post silking stage
Cultural method:
 Plant resistant varieties
 Practice clean culture.
Biological control:
 Lady beetles, spotted beetles, syrphid flies, prey on corn aphids
nymphs and adults
Chemical control: use chemicals in identified roosting and

breeding site
7. Oriental migratory locust (Locusta migratoria manilensis Meyen)
Description:
The eggs are laid in mass in the soil and covered with a frothy
substance. Individual eggs are yellowish-brown and sausage-shaped,
which measure about 5-8 mm long by mm in diameter. The incubation
period is 12-25 days. The nymph undergoes 5 instar lasting from 48-57
days. The color of the adult is gray to brown with prominent brick red-
orange color. The hind legs are enlarged. A female may lay egg as many
as 7 egg masses with a maximum of 500 eggs. The average total period
from eggs laying to adult stage is 67-71 days. The adult passes through
gregarious stage building into large swamps to migrate to a considerable
distance, inflicting crop change damage of catastrophic proportion.
However, they return to solidarity stage at lesser population. Hopper and
adult are the destructive stages of the pest.
34
Alternate host: very wide range of host plants
 Sucking of plant juice from young leaves and leaf sheath
causing loss of plant vigor.
 May transmit the maize stripe or maize mosaic virus.
 Toxin from insect may cause galls along the veins of underneath
leaf surface and plant stunting.
Growth stage affected: seeding to late whorl
Cultural method: Plant resistant varieties
Chemical control: Spray insecticide
Corn Diseases
1. Downy mildew (Pernosclerospora philippinensis Westo Shaw)
Symptoms:
 Infected plants show white-yellow streaks first at base then
on entire leaf blade.
 Whitish growth on both sides of the streaks with humidity.
 Severely infected plants are chlorotic.
 Dwarfing with reduced elongation of the internodes.
 Ears and tassels are poorly formed in advance stages of the
disease.
Growth stages affected – leaf stage to silking
Alternate host: Sugarcane, sorghum, talahib
Cultural method:
 Plant early to minimize heavy infestation.
 Immediately rogue infected plants.
 Plant resistant varieties.
Chemical method:
 Treat seeds with Apron 35 SD at 2 g/kg seed. Add 10 ml
water to 2 g of chemical before mixing the seeds. Plant
treated seeds not later than 4 weeks after treatment.
35
2. Southern leaf blight (Helminthos porium Drechslera maydis)
Symptoms:
 Small to large, tan to brown elongated oval lesion on leaves.
 Lesion may coalesce to form large blighted areas that covers
the entire leaf blade.
Growth stage affected: 2-leaf stage to maturity
Plant resistant varieties

 Remove, burn or plow infected corn plant residue in the field to
reduce the potential of early infection next planting season.
Chemical control
 Treat seeds by slurry with Captan at 120g/50 kg seeds
3. Leaf rust (Puccinia polysora Underw)
Symptoms:
 Small and circular brown rusty postules or blisters on upper
and lower surface of leaves.
 Premature drying of leaves in susceptible plants.
Growth stages affected: Mid-whorl to silking
Cultural method:
 Burn dry infected corn leaves and stalks after harvest.
 Burn and kill sclerotial bodies by deep plowing and planting
 Avoid close plant spacing.
4. Bacterial stalk rot (Erwinia caratovora crysanthemi Dye)
Symptoms:
 Stalk rotting from the base progressing upward and
eventually causing wilting of leaves (usually the lowermost
leaves)
 Infected inner tissues of older plants deteriorate and become
soft with foul odor and later dry, easily disjointed fibers.
 Plants infected at post-tasselling stage may remain standing
but exhibit wilting of leaves.
 Wilted leaves at whorl stage can be easily pulled from
growing points.
36
 Ear rots usually starting at base of the earshot.
Growth stages affected: 2-leaf stage to maturity
Alternate host: Kulitis, kamokamotihan, olasiman, solanaceous

crop
 Provide good drainage and improve soil condition by cultivation.

 Balance fertilizer application. Excessive nitrogen in relation to
potassium favors the development of bacterial stalk rot.
 Avoid close planting on field previously infected with the disease.
5. Corn mosaic (virus SCMV)

Vector – aphids and corn plant hoppers
Symptoms:
 Narrow pale yellow streaks on leaves parallel to leaf vein.
 Pale area later becomes diffused upon paler green
background.
 Base of infected leaves produces alternating broad streaks of
green and pale green areas.
Growth stage affected: whorl to maturity
Cultural method:
 Remove infected plants as soon as symptoms appear.
 Remove alternate host.
 Plant resistant varieties.
6. Weeds – are considered one of the enemies of crop. They crowd

plants and compete for nutrients, sunlight, water and space.
Besides serving as alternate host of insect pests and diseases,
weeds lower corn yield by as much as 50-80% if left uncontrolled.
Control weeds at the first 40 days of crop growth.
7. Rodents
There are three species of rats:

1. Rattus argentiventer – medium size; brown to dark coat color; is
restricted to Mindanao and Mindoro islands.
2. Rattus-rattus mendanensais – medium size; brown color and
widespread.
3. Rattus exulans – small size; brown color and is widespread.
37
 Newly planted seeds excavated and cotyledon eaten out resulting in
kidney-shaped shell.
 Greening to maturing corn ear dehusked and kernels partially to
fully eaten out resulting in bare cob.
Distribution Movement and Breeding:

 Rats concentrate in adjoining grass and other covers following
cultivation.
 Rapid movement into cornfield with more plant and weed cover
more so in the presence of greening corn.
 Enhanced reproduction at greening corn. Shallow breeding
burrows may abound in hilled-up ground.
Cultural method:
 Clear all non crop vegetations, hills and other potential
harborage immediately on adjoining field.
 Maintain effective weed management in cornfield to
reduce animal movement from periphery.
Physical method
 Use herding method in surrounding wastes; use grass
“blankets”, nets and other barriers to prevent escape.
 Dig or flush out rat burrows.
Chemical method
 Use sustain anticoagulant bait at first signs of infestation
following the recommended mixing proportion.
 Use only superior bait base, e.g. rice shorts, particularly
at greening of corn in appropriate bait stations.
 Zinc phosphate application requires supervision by a
government production technician
Biological control
Enhance the protection and multiplication of raptors
LET US REMEMBER
High yield and maximum profit is the main goal of corn growers,
thus one always follows the production technology like variety to be
planted, planting schedule, land preparation, planting distances, plant
population per hectare, seeding rate per hill and fertilizer application.
38
Multiple Choice: On your quiz notebook, write the letter of the correct
answer to the following.
1. There are two kinds of fertilizers used in corn production: the

organic and inorganic fertilizer. Which of the following is an
organic fertilizer?
a. ammonium fertilizer
b. azolla
c. phosphate
d. urea
2. A microbial-based fertilizer for rice and corn that converts nitrogen

in the air into ammonia for the plants to use is __________.
a. Bio-N
b. urea
c. synchronized
d. synthetic vital
3. Moisture is a limiting factor in the production of corn. If water

supply becomes critically inadequate during silking and soft dough
stage, the potential yield may be reduced to __________,
a. 10 – 15 percent
b. 15 – 25 percent
c. 20 – 50 percent
d. 25 – 75 percent
4. There are two methods of irrigating corn. Which method is

efficient to minimize losses due to deep percolation and surface
run-off?
a. furrow irrigation
b. sprinkler method
c. surface irrigation
d. overhead irrigation
5. The following are cultural methods of controlling pests except

_________.
a. sanitation
b. synchronized planting
c. planting resistant varieties
d. granular application
6. The eggs of corn plant hopper are very small, white and flask-
shaped and laid in mass and the incubation period is ________.
a. 5 – 10 days
b. 6 – 12 days
c. 8 – 14 days
d. 10 – 18 days
39
7. What is the scientific name of leaf rust?
a. Helminthos porium
b. Puccinia polysorg
c. Erwinia carataborg
d. Pernos clerospora philippinensis
8. They are considered as one of the enemies of crop because they

compete for nutrients, sunlight, water and space.
a. pests
b. diseases
c. weeds
d. insect
9. Corn varieties respond very well to nitrogen fertilizer but also need
other elements like phosphorus and a lesser amount of _________.
a. sulfur
b. calcium
c. magnesium
d. all off the above
10. The removal of tassels of corn plant before shed is

a. detasselling
b. silkening
c. whirling
d. weeding
40
With the supervision of your teacher, perform the production

technology employed in corn production.
Rating Scale
A. Weeding
Cleanliness of the weeded
area
Use tools and equipments
properly
Use PPE
B. Fertilizing/Spraying
Follow procedure properly
Follow safety measures in
spraying
Use PPE
C. Irrigation
Follow procedure properly
Use tools and equipments
properly
Observe precautions in
operating machine
Use PPE
Rating Scale
1 – 94 – 98
2 – 89 – 93
3 – 84 – 88
4 – 79 – 83
5 – 75 – 78
RESOURCES
Plow and harrow Seeds

Hand trowel Fertilizer
Spade Insecticide
Pale Weedicide
Sprinkler Sprayer
Draft carabao/cattle String
REFERENCES
Philippines Recommends for Corn Production

(Crop Production I) SEDP
Corn Production Technology, MMSU, Batac
41
LESSON 4
DETERMINE THE MATURITY INDICES OF THE CORN, PERFORM

PROPER WAY OF HARVESTING AND SHELLING
This lesson is about the maturity indices of corn, harvesting and

the shelling of corn. Moreover, it includes in detail the ways of
determining maturity, methods and materials used in harvesting and
shelling corn.

1. identify the signs of maturity in corn;
2. identify harvesting tools and equipment;
3. harvest and shell corn ear using the appropriate tools and
equipment;
4. observe safety precautions in harvesting and shelling corn.
LET US STUDY
Let Us Define
Green corn – corn harvested as greens usually eaten as vegetable or

boiled/broiled.
Hand picking – the most common method of harvesting corn with the
use of hands.
Cob – part of the ear where the seeds are being connected.
Husk – the outer covering of the corn ear.
Indices – the signs/characteristics of maturity in plants.
Shelling – the process of separating the kernels from the cob.
Kernel – the whole grain or seed of a cereal.
Harvesting – the process of gathering green/mature corn ear.
Silk – the hairy-like structure found at the terminal of the corn ear
Timeliness is the most important consideration in harvesting. The

method of harvesting corn is based on specific purpose, as green or as
grain, having specific time to harvest.
42
Harvesting Green Corn
The corn is harvested when the kernels are fully developed

but still tender to be eaten: corn boiled in the cob or broiled in the
cob. The ears are picked by hand in the field or the stalks are cut
and gathered in the shade where ears are separated from the green
stalks. The stalks and leaves are used for livestock feeds. Green
corn is harvested 19–24 days after silking or about 65-80 days
after planting depending on the variety and season of planting.
Harvesting Mature Corn (for grain purposes)
Corn for grain is ready for harvest when the leaves and husk are
dried and kernels are nearly glazed. The moisture content is
approximately 35 – 40 percent. The age as well as the maturity of corn in
the field can be determined by counting the number of leaves. The first
five leaves require three days each to open. The succeeding leaves take
five days each to open fully until the tassel emerges. As an example, a
corn plant with seventeen fully developed leaves is 75 days from
emergence.
Example:
1st - 5 leaves x 3 = 15 days
12 leaves x 5 = 60 days
75 days
Early harvesting is recommended to:
1. Avoid excessive loss of seeds in the field due to mechanical

pinching.
2. Reduce risks of delay in harvesting due to rainy weather.
3. Prevent further development of ear rot fungi.
4. Avoid severe husking losses when using mechanical pickers.
5. Control insect damage to some extent.
Methods of Harvesting Corn
a. Hand picking or manual method is still the common method of

harvesting corn in small areas. Some farmers harvest and dehusk
corn simultaneously in the field while some farmers harvest first
and dehusking is done separately.
43
b. For large scale corn plantation, a corn picker or harvester (either
pull type or mounted on the tractor) snaps the ears from the plant.
Another machine for harvesting is the picker-husker or picker-
sheller wherein the ear corn are snapped from the plant, husked
and shelled simultaneously. Combined corn harvesters are being
used successfully in advanced countries. In the Philippines, the
use of combined harvester-sheller is still limited because of small
farm size and besides, farm labor is sufficient.
A hectare of corn field with a population density of 50,000 to
60,000 plants harvested by hand picking requires 50 – 80 man-
hour, including husking and throwing cobs along the rows. The
labor requirement rises to about 100 – 120 man-hours. A single-
row mechanical picker-husker can do it in 2.0 – 3.5 hours/hectare.
Tools and equipment in harvesting
1. Jute sack – used in collecting harvested ear corns in the

field.
2. Basket/container – also used as tool in collecting harvested
corn.
44
3. Scythe – used to cut corns especially when harvesting green
corn.
4. Corn in large scale.
5. Tractor – used for transportation and the same for hauling
the thresher/picker or husker.
Shelling is one of the vital stages in post harvest operations in

corn production. Shelling is the process of separating the kernels
from the cob through compression, bending, shearing, tension or its
combination. Shelling corn is by bare hands, the use of small tools,
manually operated mechanical shellers or the use of propelled
machine that picks up the corn plant, unhusks and shells the corn
ears in one passing. For hand shelling, about 100 to 150 kilograms of
clean grains can be shelled by man with small tools in eight hours.
The capacity and efficiency are affected by depth of kernel setting on
the cobs, dryness of ear and uniformity in the size of ears.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN HARVESTING:
1. Always use Personal Protective clothing and Equipment (PPE)

2. Always check cutting tools before using them.
3. Always use sharp tools.
4. Use the appropriate tools for the kind of work to be
accomplished
LET US REMEMBER
Timeliness is the most important consideration in harvesting. It is

very important because you can avoid excessive loss of seeds due to
mechanical pinching, reduce risk, prevent the development of ear rot
fungi, and control insect damage to some extent.
Based on the lesson you have just taken, answer the following by
writing only the letter of your answer on your quiz notebook.
A.
1. What is the age of the corn when there are 21 fully developed
leaves counted?
a. 100 days from emergence
b. 80 days from emergence
c. 75 days from emergence
d. 65 days from emergence
2. Timeliness is the most important consideration in harvesting. The

best time to harvest green corn is _________.
a. 15 to 20 days after silking
b. 19 to 24 days after silking
45
c. 24 to 28 days after silking
d. 30 to 35 days after silking
3. The following are methods of harvesting corn in large scale except

____________.
a. hand picking
b. using machine corn picker
c. using machine picker-husker
d. using machine picker-sheller
4. We can compute the age of the corn by counting the number of

fully developed leaves. The first five leaves require how many days
to fully open?
a. 10 day
b. 8 days
c. 5 days
d. 3 days
5. Mature corn is ready for harvest when the leaves and husk are
dried and kernels nearly glazed. The moisture content of the ear is
approximately _________.
a. 35 to 40 percent
b. 28 to 42 percent
c. 20 to 45 percent
d. 15 to 35 percent
Demonstrate proper harvesting and shelling. Your performance

will be rated using the following rubric.
Rating Scale
Follow procedures
in harvesting
Follow procedures in shelling
Use tools and equipment
properly
Use PPE
Rating Scale
1 – 94 – 98
2 – 89 – 93
3 – 84 – 88
4 – 79 – 83
5 – 75 – 78
46
RESOURCES
Tractor Jute sack Bolo

Sheller Baskets Scythe
Husker Cart
Draft animal Wheelbarrow
REFERENCES
Technology and Home Economic

(Crop Production I) SEP
Philippine Recommends for Corn Production, Goodwill Bookstore:

Manila, 1988
The Science and Practice of Crop Production

Ricardo Lantican, SEARCA/UPLB
47
LESSON 5
DRY AND MARKET CORN
This lesson is about drying and marketing corn. It includes the

importance of cleaning and drying, materials used in cleaning and
drying and the different methods of marketing corn.

1. give the importance of cleaning and drying corn;
2. identify the tools and materials used in drying;
3. dry corn efficiently using appropriate tools and materials;
4. determine the moisture content of corn for storing; and
5. market corn efficiently using the appropriate system.
LET US STUDY
Let Us Define
Harvesting – the process of gathering matured crops in the field.

Marketing – the selling and buying of product from the point of
production to the point of consumption.
Drying – process of decreasing the moisture content of seeds/grain
either by natural or artificial means.
Wholesaler – buyer who buys directly from farmers.
Drying is important because it permits early harvest, thus reducing the

field loss of products due to storm, attacks of pest and diseases and
natural shattering. It likewise permits the harvest season to make better
use of labor, long-storage without deterioration, maintenance of the
viability of seeds and sale of better quality product.
Harvested ears should be dried right away. They should be dried before
and after shelling. For safe and long storage, dry corn up to 14 percent
moisture content.
48
Methods of drying
1. Field drying – The harvesting schedule beyond maturity date is

extended to allow corn ears to dry in the field.
2. Conventional sun
drying – It is the most
common method of
drying corn ears and
shelled corn grain.
Dehusk corn ears as well
as shelled corn are dried
by spreading the
materials evenly and
thinly on concrete floor,
plastics or canvass sheet,
bamboo, mats and other
materials used for drying.
This method takes about
1 to 3 days depending on
the natural moisture
content and the weather A corn field
condition in the area. This method is advisable to small produce
but tedious for a large volume of products.
3. Drying by natural ventilation – Ear or shelled corn in storage

may be dried by using natural wind to force air through the
storage. Holding structures called corn cribs are built and corn
ears are allowed to dry by natural ventilation while in storage.
With suitable duct system and wind cowl, the air could be forced or
suctioned through the grain. With our relatively moist natural air,
ear corn stored in cribs is preferable than shelled corn in deep bins
when this method is employed.
4. Unheated forced air drying – It consists of a bin for storage of a

product. The rate of drying is affected by temperature and
humidity of the air, rate of air moving to the product and moisture
content of the product. It takes three to six days to dry a bin eight
feet deep thorough this method. Fan should be stopped when
relative humidity of air is already a high as in rainy days.
5. Heated forced air drying – In the Philippines, the relative

humidity of atmospheric air is high. For quick drying, the relative
humidity should be lowered by heating the air. The temperature of
hot air varies depending on the intended use of the grain. If the
grain is for seeds, air temperature should be limited to 43’C
(100’F). For food or feed, air temperature maybe as high as 65’C
(149’).
49
Force drying with heated air may be done by using a flat bed (batch
type) dryer or a columnar (continuous flow type) dryer. Heated air dryers
consist of a holding bin, blower, ducts, burner and conveyors.
Reasons for drying

1. Drying permits long-time storage without deterioration.
2. Drying maintains the viability of the seeds.
3. Drying permits the sale of better quality products.
Weights of Corn (in sacks) at Different Moisture Content
Moisture
Content 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Weight in
Kilogram 47.8 48.3 48.9 49.4 50.0 50.6 50.9 51.9 52.4
Marketing of Corn
The marketing and distribution system of corn grains involve many

agents before reaching the final consumers.
Farmers, local assemblers, local millers, wholesale dealers,
wholesale millers, feed millers and retailers can all act as marketing
agents.
Corn producers have very limited choices in marketing their
product because the harvests are usually committed to local assemblers
and millers to whom they are in debt even before harvest time.
1. The local assemblers are the immediate buyers and outlets of

farmer’s grains. They operate strategically and may cover specific
or wide corn producing localities or barrios. They are either
agents, sub-agents or the local wholesalers who make
arrangements with the farmers themselves with a truck, small
assembly house, weighing scale, sheller, empty bags, small drying
pavements and hired laborers to service the farmers. Local
assemblers usually borrow capital from wholesale millers or
wholesale dealers.
2. Local millers, like local assemblers, also operate on the farm level
but on a limited scale. They provide facilities like small mills called
“kiskisan” or low-capacity “cono” mills in the production areas.
They sell to wholesale millers and dealers grains exceeding the mill
and warehouse capacities. They handle a substantially low volume
of total marketed corn grains than local assemblers but a higher
volume on a per buyer basis.
3. The grain wholesale dealers are found in big market centers where
shipping facilities and services are available for outside trade. They
handle grains in big quantities and sell the bulk to Manila feed
millers as well as other big wholesale millers in regional markets.
50
They also provide marketing services and facilities like trucking,
handling and shipping points. They are the major source or outlet
of grains and the channel for distribution to other places. They
perform wholesale milling, trading and distribution functions for
local and regional markets and for the manufacturing sectors of
the corn industry as well because they are equipped with
permanent large warehouse, wide pavements for mechanical drying
and huge “cono” mills. Usually they finance the procurement
operations of local assemblers on the farm level. They are the
price-makers while other buyers are price-takers in the trade
channels. Prices on the farm level are usually patterned after the
behavior of the supply, demand and price of wholesale millers in
terminal markets.
Like other traders, the wholesale dealers of finished products
and by-products serve as the middlemen between wholesale millers
and retailers.
4. Feed millers are located at the market centers, only a few can be
found at the production areas, relying on corn supply from
wholesale millers, wholesale dealers, and local millers in the
surplus corn-producing areas and terminal market. They
manufacture mixed feeds for the poultry and livestock industry
that derive 20 to 40 percent of their feed components of corn.
5. Retailers sometimes buy directly from farmers and have the grains
milled for retails. Most of the time, they buy directly from
wholesale millers and very seldom from grit dealers. They sell both
corn grits and bran in public markets or to sari-sari stores. In
major markets, the retailers sell only corn grits and bran or
together with rice in areas where mixed rice and corn consumers
prevail. As shown in the illustration below, corns are distributed to
the consumers.
a. Local assemblers absorb 90% of the total produce; local

millers 6.4%; retailers, 3%; and direct consumers, 0.6%.
b. The local assemblers then channel 80% of the whole produce
to wholesale millers, 12.2% to local millers, and 3.4% to
wholesale dealers. The rest are sold directly to retailers and
consumers.
c. Being the biggest terminal outlets of local millers, wholesale
millers retain 30% for local markets while the rest goes to
outside markets. On the other hand, wholesale dealers of
grits and bran sell grits to local markets and bran to Manila
feed millers.
51
LET US REMEMBER
Detasseling is important because it permits early harvesting, thus

reducing the field losses of products due to storm, attacks of pest and
diseases and natural shattering. We should also be appraised of the new
technique of marketing because we know that marketing system in our
country involves many agents before reaching the final consumers.
Write the letter of the correct answer on your notebook.
1. Harvested seeds/ears should be dried right away. For safe and

long storage, dry corn up to
a. 16 percent moisture content
b. 14 percent moisture content
c. 18 percent moisture content
d. 20 percent moisture content
2. A method of harvesting corn wherein harvesting schedule is beyond

maturity.
a. mechanical drying
b. conventional drying
c. artificial drying
d. field drying
3. The marketing distribution system of corn grains involves many

agents before reaching the final consumers. What do we call the
immediate buyers and outlets of farmer’s grain?
a. local assemblers
b. local millers
c. wholesale millers
d. grain wholesale dealers
4. The most common method of drying corn ears and shelled corn
grain is ________.
a. field drying
b. mechanical drying
c. artificial drying
d. conventional sun drying
5. The following are reasons for drying corn ears and shelled corn
grain except ________.
a. permits long-time storage without deterioration
b. permits the sale of better quality product
c. maintains the viability of the seeds
d. lessen the quantity and quality of corn
52
1. Form groups, then harvest, dry and market your corn inside the
school.
2. Prepare your income statement based on your actual expenses and
sales.
RESOURCES
Drying materials
Sacks
Containers
Plastic bags
Weighing scale
Tying materials
REFERENCES


Manila, 1988

53
LESSON 6
STORE CORN PROPERLY
This lesson is about the practices in storing harvested corn. It

includes the importance of proper storing, procedures in storing and the
factors to consider in storing corn.
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
1. give the importance of storing;

2. discuss the procedure and factors to consider in storing;
3. store corn seeds properly;
4. consider the safety measures on the use of chemicals during
storing; and
5. bear in mind that improper storage can decrease potential profit in
corn production.
LET US STUDY
Let Us Define
Seed treatment – treating of seeds with chemicals to protect

germinating seeds and young seedlings
from soil-borne fungi and bacteria.
Storing – a practice of corn growers to stock their product for
future use.
Corn in cobs – harvested corn wherein the seeds are not yet from
the cob.
Cob – the ear of the corn that holds the seeds.
Storing Corn
Corn is either stored as shelled corn, ear corn, or unhusked

corn. Usually, farmers store for a while before marketing. Even if the
right moisture is attained before storing, there are possibilities of storage
losses due to spillage, mold growth, insect pests and biological reduction.
54
It is therefore important that the product be properly stored after drying.
Consider the warehouse condition of the grain before storage, inspection
procedure followed and preventive measures to control pest and insects
for successful storage.
Points to consider in storage:
1. Store corn in a cool, clean and well-ventilated area secure from

damage by insect, rodents and weather elements (rain, direct
sunlight). When filling bags of corn grains, allow air to enter
between rows. Provide spaces between rows to allow easy
inspection and hauling.
2. Provide dry and sanitary condition in all phases of grain
processing, transport and storage to avoid formation of highly toxic
mycotoxins in the grains.
3. Corn grains with 14% moisture content, 97% purity, 3% immature
seeds and not more than 5% damage are considered good quality
seeds.
Moisture Limits for Safe Storage
14% or less safe for storage as shelled corn

15 – 16% - safe for crib storage: reasonably safe to store in bin
17 – 21% - safe for ordinary crib storage
The Storage House
The storage house should hold grain without loss of quality;

exclude rain and ground moisture; provide reasonable protection
against thieves, rodents, birds, poultry, insects and objectionable
odors; have provisions for aeration and fumigation; and be
reasonably safe from wind, fire and flood.
Corn may be stored through the following methods:
1. Halayhay. The unhusked ears are hung in

rows starting from below and arranged in
such a manner that the tips are much lower
than the butts. The silk is not removed. This
may be done along barbed wire fence, or
farmer’s kitchen place. The husk serves as a
good protection for the ear.
2. Corn crib. Small corn cribs 1.2 m long,

0.8 m wide, and 1.8 m deep may be used
without a blower. Big corn cribs as shown
below is usually provided with a blower to
dry corn ears high in moisture. Big corn
cribs when idle may also double as farm
machine storage.
55
3. Jute sacks and bags.
Sacks or bags inside
warehouses should be
piled in such a manner as
to allow ample movement
of air between individual
sacks and between rows as
shown below. Rows or
aisles between piles should
be provided to allow easy
inspection
4. Bulk storage. For large

commercial set-ups, steel bins
or concrete silos are
recommended for economical
and convenient storing of
shelled corn. Bulk storage as
shown below are usually
provided with elevators,
conveyors, aeration and
fumigation facilities.
Corn Milling
Corn for feed is usually milled in hammer that can grind shelled
corn, husked or unhusked ear corn. Corn for food is usually turned into
grits by the use of burr mills. Two types of milling processes are being
practiced in the country: the dry and the wet. Illustration is shown
below:
56
Uses of Corn
Corn is used in industry as a source of starch, starch derivatives

and oil. It is a source of zein which is used for coating, cork binders and
printing inks. It is also a source of paints, varnishes, monosodium
glutamate (seasoning), phonograph records, gasket materials, bottle cap
liners, shoe fillers and artificial fibers. Fibers in the stalk are make into
paper and yarn. The inner husks are used in making cigarette wrapper
while the cob is a source of furfural for making solvents, explosives,
plastics, synthetic rubber and nylon.
57
The figure below shows the human, industrial and livestock uses of corn
plants.
Uses of corn
Seed Treatment
Corn seeds are treated to control seed-borne fungi causing the

disease as well as to protect germinating seeds and young seedlings from
soil-borne fungi and bacteria.
Corn may be treated with the following chemicals:
Rate
Material g/cav Methods of Application
Delsan A-D 120 Slurry
Panoram D-31 and 75 120 Slurry
Orthocide 75 120 Slurry
Spergon 60 Dust
Phygon, Phygon XL 60 Dust
58
For planting purposes, seeds are treated with Malathion (20%
W.P.). For every cavan of corn, 280 g of Malathion powder are thoroughly
mixed until seeds are coated with powder.
Precautions before and after seed treatment:
1. All seed treatment materials are poisonous and toxic. Mark treated
seeds carefully. Do not use treated seeds for feed or food. Seeds
treated properly will last longer.
2. Seeds should have a moisture content of 13%. First clean the
seeds and keep them free from dust, chaff and weed seeds.
3. Avoid inhaling dust or fumes when treating. Treat seeds outdoors
or in well-ventilated rooms. Use a dust mask or handkerchief over
your nose and mouth. Wash it with soapy water after the
operation.
4. Store unused chemicals in a well-labeled closed container. Put it
in a closed cabinet out of reach of children.
5. Read and follow manufacturers’ direction on the labels. They are
printed to protect you.
LET US REMEMBER
Store corn in a cool, clean and well-ventilated area secured from

damage by insects, rodents, and weather elements. For seed purposes,
seed should be treated to protect germinating seeds and young seedlings
from soil-borne fungi and bacteria.
59
1. In storing your harvested corn, there are moisture limit for safe
storage. What is the safe moisture limit for the storage of shelled
corn?
e. 17 – 21 percent
f. 15 – 16 percent
g. 14 percent or less
h. 17 percent or higher
2. Corn requires 41 – 65 cm of water during the growing season. The

demand for water increases as the plants grows. During the silking
and soft dough period, what is the amount of water needed?
a. 6 – 8 mm per day
b. 5 – 7 mm per day
c. 4 – 6 mm per day
d. 3 – 4 mm per day
3. The following are points to consider in storing corn except one:

a. store corn in a well ventilated area
b. provide dry and sanitary condition
c. store under direct sunlight
d. store good quality seed
4. Halayhay method of storing corn is done by:

a. hanging the unhusked ears
b. providing a blower to dry corn ears
c. putting the corn inside the sack
d. storing shelled corn in bin
5. Good quality corn seeds for storage should have

a. 14% moisture content
b. 97% purity
c. 3% immature seeds and less than 5% drainage
d. all of the above
RESOURCES
Drying materials
Sacks
Containers
Reference
Tying materials
REFERENCES
Manila, 1988
60
LESSON 7
PREPARE AND KEEP FARM RECORDS
This lesson is about keeping farm records and accounts such as

record of expense and receipt, daily sales, production records, inventory
records, cost and returns of producing corn and activity records.
At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
1. discuss the importance of keeping records;

2. prepare and keep accurate farm records; and
3. consider the importance of record keeping in corn
production.
LET US STUDY
Let Us Define
Record – information that is kept about something that has

happened
Account – detailed record that a business keeps of the money
received and spent
Outputs – goods and services used in production
Inputs – raw materials in the production of products
Ledger – a loose page record summarizing the effect of all
transactions and individual accounts
Farm Records and Accounting
Record keeping is an indispensable management tool in evaluating

production, farm input and output, and the overall efficiency of the corn
production. Good records will help the farmers determine whether the
enterprise is profitable or not, thus it will help him make wise decision in
the future.
Importance of Record Keeping
1. Records and accounts will help you become an efficient farmer.

They will help you find out the condition of your enterprise.
61
2. Record will help you see readily your cost of production and
income.
3. They will give memo of practices in corn production, transaction
and practices which you will need in future reference.
4. Accounts will enable you to get loans and better terms.
5. Your accounts will show the purchased items. This record will
judge price needed materials in case of selling.
6. Our records will help us remember these items and correct errors.
7. Records are important in making your farm budget. They will help
you plan and carry out improvement wisely.
The following records need to be kept:
1. Records of sales and expenses.
2. Daily Sales
Date Kind of crop Quantity Cost Remarks

5-20-08 Green corns 100 150.00 cash
5-21-08 Green corns 200 300.00 credit
6-06-08 Corn grain 5,000 kg 60,000.00
3. Financial Statement
Corn Production
Income Statement
For the Year Ending December 31, 200_
Particulars Amount
Sales
300 green corn 350.00
5,000 kg green corn 60,000.00
Less:
Variable Cost 8,700.00
Less:
Fixed Cost 11,950.00
Profit 43,470.00
62
4. Daily Activity Plan
Date Activity Remarks

June 14 Cleaning the area
June 20 Plowing and harrowing
July 1 Making furrows
July 2 Planting
July 20 Weeding/spraying
July 23 Hilling-up/off-barring
July 30 Irrigation
Sept Irrigation
Sept 30 Harvesting
5. Cost and Returns
Cost and Return of Raising Corn/Hectare
Quantity
Item Unit IPB Var I Hybrid
I. Variable Cost
A. Land Preparation
Plowing 12mad P 2,280 P

2,280
Harrowing 8 mad 1,520
1,520
Furrowing 2 mad 400
400
Planting/fertilizing 8 mad 1,600
1,600
Side dressing 2 mad 400
400
Spraying (3x) 9 mad 900
900
Off-barring/hilling-up 6 mad 1,200
1,200
Weeding 4 mad 400
400
B. Harvesting and Processing
Harvesting/hauling 5 mad 1,000

1,000
Shelling 5 mad 500 500
Drying/cleaning 3 mad 300 300
Bagging 2 mad 200 200
63
II. Materials
20 kg at P18/kg IPB Var I 360

20 kg at P20/kg Hybrid 400
3 bags urea at P870/bag 2,610 2,610
6 bags 14-14-14 at P870/bag 5,220 5,220
Thiodan EC 450 450
Furadan 3G 500 500
450 450
Total Cost of 19,890 19,930
Production
III. Gross Income

Cost of 4,500 kgs at P10/kg 45,000
Cost of 5,000 kgs at P12/kg
60,000
IV. Net Income 25,110

40,000
LET US REMEMBER
Keeping the records “up-to-date” and accurate is a must in corn

production. It should be made a part of the regular activity in the farm.
Records give instant information about the general performance of the
project. Also, record keeping in the farm is an important tool to evaluate
production, farm inputs and output and the overall efficiency of the
project.
64
Based on the cost and return of your project, enter the data on you
records of sales and expense.
RESOURCES
Books Paper
Journals
Ledgers
Calculator
REFERENCES

(Crop Production I) SEDP

Manila, 1988
65
POST-TEST
Let’s find out how much you have learned on corn production.
Read and understand the questions below. Select the best answer by
writing the letter of your answer on your quiz notebook.
1. Corn is one of the most important crops in our country which

belongs to the family Graminae, scientifically called
a. Orayza sativa Linn
b. Zea maize L.
c. Sorghum bicolor
d. Mimosa pudica
2. Marketing and distribution of corn grains involves many agents.

Which agents are the immediate buyers and outlets of farmer’s
grain?
a. local millers
b. local assemblers
c. grain wholesale dealers
d. wholesale millers
3. Like any cereal crops, corn also has seeding rate. The seeding rate
per hectare for corn is
a. 18 – 20 kilograms
b. 15 – 18 kilograms
c. 10 – 14 kilograms
d. 7 – 10 kilograms
4. There are options in harvesting corn; one green and the other one
is when they are already matured harvested as grain. For green
corn, they may be harvested when they reached ____________.
a. 50 – 55 days after planting
b. 55 – 60 days after planting
c. 60 – 65 days after planting
d. 70 – 72 days after planting
5. Corn borer is the serious pest of corn. However, this can be

controlled by the use of biological means. What is the name of the
insect users?
a. Trichocards
b. Binochards
c. Orthonocards
d. All of the above
66
6. Downy mildew is one of the most destructive diseases of corn. It
can be controlled by cultural means. Which of the following does
not belong to the group?
a. Plant early to minimize heavy infectation.
b. Immediately rogue infected plants.
c. Plant resistant varieties
d. Spray with chemicals
7. When is the time to do hilling-up and off-barring to control the

growth of weeds?
a. 21 – 25 days after planting
b. 26 – 30 days after planting
c. 29 – 35 days after planting
d. 35 – 40 days after planting
8. Corn is very responsive to clay loam soil with a pH value of

___________.
a. 5.3 – 6
b. 4.0 – 5
c. 4.5 – 5.5
d. 3.0 – 4.0
9. The holding power or ability of the soil to keep water is called

a. high fertility
b. moisture retention
c. moisture depletion
d. none of the above
10. What do we call the records wherein all the expenses is being
recorded?
a. production record
b. daily sales record
c. expense record
d. inventory record
11. All seed treatment materials are poisonous and toxic. What will
you do to avoid accident?
a. Do not use treated seeds for food.
b. Store unused chemicals in well-labeled containers.
c. Seeds should have a moisture content of 13 percent.
d. all of the above
12. In storing your harvested corn, there are moisture limit for safe
storage. What is the safe moisture limit for storage of shelled corn?
a. 17 – 21 percent
b. 15 – 16 percent
c. 14 percent or less
d. 17 percent or higher
67
13.Corn requires 41 – 65 cm of water during the growing season. The
demand for water increases as the plants grow. During the silking
and soft dough period, what is the amount of water needed?
a. 6 – 8 mm per day
b. 5 – 7 mm per day
c. 4 – 6 mm per day
d. 3 – 4 mm per day
14. Corn borer can be controlled by means of detasselling the plants.

What is the ratio of tasseled and detasselled plants?
a. 1:3
b. 1:2
c. 2:2
d. 1:2
15. The most desirable soil for corn production is deep, medium
textured, high in organic matter, well-drained and __________.
a. poor soil
b. high in pH value
c. rapid percolation
d. high water holding capacity
16.The method of planting that is suited for areas with abundant

precipitation and heavy soil types is _________.
a. surface or flat-bed planting
b. listed planting
c. ridged planting
d. broadcast method
17. One of the weeds that disturb the growth of plants is grass.
Below are some examples of grasses except _________.
a. crowfoot grass
b. giling-giling
c. wire grass
d. billy goat weed
18. Rat or rodents is a problem during storage, so application of

rodenticide must be followed using the specific precautions.
They are _________.
a. wear gloves in order not to touch the poison
b. do not expose powder to air
c. record the location of baiting sites
d. all of the above
19. The most desirable soil for corn production is deep, medium
textured, high in organic matter, well-drained and __________.
a. poor soil
b. high in pH value
c. rapid percolation
d. high water holding capacity
68
20. What is the best method of storing corn in cobs?
a. in jute sacks
b. bulk storage
c. stored in bins
d. stored in corn cribs
69
KEY TO CORRECTION ( Agri Crop –CORN)
Post-Test Pre-Test Lesson 1 Lesson 4

1. b 1. b 1. b 1. b
2. b 2. a 2. b 2. d
3. a 3. d 3. b 3. a
4. a 4. b 4. c 4. d
5. a 5. a 5. a 5. d
6. c 6. a
7. a 7. c Lesson 2 Lesson 5
8. a 8. a 1. b 1. b
9. b 9. b 2. d 2. d
10. c 10. a 3. c 3. a
11. d 11. c 4. a 4. d
12. c 12. a 5. a 5. d
13. b 13. c
14. c 14. a Lesson 3 Lesson 6
15. d 15. a 1. a 1. c
16. a 16. b 2. a 2. b
17. b 17. c 3. a 3. c
18. d 18. c 4. c 4. a
19. d 19. c 5. a 5. d
20. c 20. c
70

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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Module No. 2 Module Title: Producing Corn

QUALIFICATION TITLE : AGRICULTURAL CROP PRODUCTION NC I

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : SUPPORT AGRONOMIC CROP WORK AND

MODULE TITLE : PRODUCING CORN

NOMINAL DURATION : 200 HOURS

WHAT IS THIS MODULE ABOUT?

This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

Upon completion of this module, the students must be able to:

WHAT DO YOU ALREADY KNOW?

1. Corn belongs to the grass family Graminae and is botanically called

4. The climate of the Philippines is favorable for growing corn. What is

5. Land preparation is essential for uniform crop stand and effective

6. Corn varieties respond very well to nitrogen fertilizer, therefore,

7. It is a microbial-based fertilizer for rice and corn converted nitrogen

8. Hybrid corn needs 18 kilogram of seeds to plant while open-pollinated

10. Furrow irrigation is the most common method of irrigating the

11. Integrated pest management is the use of a combination of two or

12. One of the ways of controlling corn borer is through cultural

19. All of these are safety measures in farm operation except

20. There are precautions to follow in applying

SELECT THE IDEAL SITE FOR PLANTING CORN

WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?

This lesson deals with the selection of site and climatic

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

Corn is one of the major crops grown in the Ilocos region. It is

A. Selection of the site

There are three factors to consider in selecting the site

1. Soil. Corn yields can be doubled, tripled and even quadrupled

a. Well drained roots develop best in well-drained soil.

f. High in organic matter – high organic matter gives a soil

The climate of the Philippines is favorable for growing

1. Rainfall – corn must receive a rainfall at least 200-1,500

Technical information related to water requirement in

a. slows down vegetative growth

3. Location. Location is also very important in corn production.

a. Accessibility to roads and market. Areas near roads and

The best site for corn production

HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED?

1. The corn belongs to the grass family Graminae and is botanically

2. The climate of the Philippines is favorable for growing corn. What is

4. Most Philippine soil requires the macro elements nitrogen,

5. Corn is a warm-season crop requiring high temperature during the

LET US APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

Technology and Home Economics

Corn Production Technology

Martina F. Tinguil, MMSU, Batac

PREPARE THE LAND AND PLANT THE SEEDS

WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?

This lesson is about land preparation as well as the tools and

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

The end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. identify the tools and equipment in preparing the land;

Cultivation – the process of loosening or breaking the soil in order to

A seedbed which is deep, well pulverized yet fairly compact is

How to prepare the land:

Plow the field to allow plant/weeds biomass decomposition to

Plowing using tractor Animal-drawn plowing

1. Plow – used to break the soil with the use of an animal

Safety Precautions in the Use of Tools

1. Always check the tools and equipment before using them.

1. Open-pollinated variety. This corn seed variety is grown over a