Zea Mays L. Ssp. Mexicana (schrad.) Iltis - >>zea Mexicana

Origin

Zea mays L. ssp. mexicana (Schrad.) Iltis, also known as teosinte, is a subspecies of Zea mays, which is a member of the Poaceae family. It is indigenous to Mexico and Central America and is believed to be the ancestor of modern maize/corn. It was first domesticated by people living in the region around 9,000 years ago and eventually spread throughout the Americas as one of the most important crops for food and industry.

Common Names

Teosinte has a wide range of common names used across different regions. In Mexico, it is known as teocintle, while it is called Tusti, Ezhu Mokka, and Yerekelija by indigenous communities living in Guatemala and other parts of Central America. In English, it is commonly referred to as teosinte, the Mexican teosinte, or simply wild maize.

Uses

Teosinte is an important crop due to its high genetic variability and is used as a genetic resource for improving modern maize/corn varieties. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as food for wildlife. The seeds of teosinte are edible and can be cooked or ground into flour, but they are small and not as nutritious as modern maize/corn. Additionally, the plant has several medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and respiratory infections.

General Appearance

Teosinte is a tall, grass-like plant that can reach up to 10 feet in height. The stems are slender and topped with a cluster of male flowers, while the female flowers are located on the axil of the leaves. The leaves are long and narrow, and the plant produces a single ear or spikelet that is much smaller than modern maize/corn. The seeds are arranged in a zigzag pattern on the cob, and the husks are thinner and harder to peel than those of modern maize/corn.

here

Light Requirements

Zea mays L. ssp. mexicana (Schrad.) Iltis requires full sunlight to grow properly. The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, and preferably more. If the plant is grown in partial shade, its growth will be stunted, and the yield will be lower. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in a location that receives full sunlight throughout the day.

Temperature Requirements

Zea mays L. ssp. mexicana (Schrad.) Iltis grows best in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures outside this range may cause damage to the plant, and the growth may be affected. The plant is sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate temperatures below 0°C. Therefore, it is essential to grow the plant in suitable temperature conditions to ensure its optimal growth and yield.

Soil Requirements

Zea mays L. ssp. mexicana (Schrad.) Iltis requires well-draining, fertile soil to grow. The plant prefers soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is important to maintain adequate soil moisture levels, but overwatering should be avoided as it may cause rotting of the roots. Additionally, it is recommended to add organic mulch to the soil to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.

Cultivation Methods

Zea mays L. ssp. mexicana, or Mexican corn, is a warm-season crop that grows best in areas with long, hot summers. It requires a well-draining, fertile soil to thrive. The ideal pH level for the plant to grow is between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting, the soil must be thoroughly prepared. A seedbed should be cleared of weeds, rocks, and debris, and then loosened to a depth of at least 8 inches. Rows should be spaced 2 to 3 ft apart, and seeds should be planted 1 to 2 in deep and 4 to 6 in apart. For best results, plant the seeds after the last frost and when the soil temperature is at least 60°F.

Watering Needs

Mexican corn requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. The plant should receive 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. However, the frequency will depend on the soil type, weather conditions, and stage of growth. During the germination process, the soil must be consistently moist. As the plants mature, watering frequency should reduce to promote the development of strong roots. Also, care should be taken not to overwater the plants, as this can lead to foliar and soil-borne diseases and stunted growth.

Fertilization

Like most crops, Mexican corn requires fertilization to produce higher yields. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every three weeks starting from four inches high until two weeks before the harvest. The amount of fertilizer applied will depend on the soil type and fertility, but generally, an application rate of 3-4 pounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended per 1000 square feet of planting.

Pruning

Mexican corn does not require pruning in the traditional sense. However, stalks may be thinned out when the plant grows too tall, resulting in sturdier and more abundant ears. Additionally, if the plant is producing multiple ears, it may be necessary to remove some of the smaller ones to ensure that the larger ones develop uniformly. This process is called "thinning" and should be done soon after tassels appear.

Propagation of Zea mays L. ssp. mexicana (Schrad.) Iltis

There are several methods of propagating Zea mays L. ssp. mexicana, which include:

Seed Propagation

Propagation by seed is the most common method for Zea mays L. ssp. mexicana. Seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in seed trays, and they sprout within a week or two, depending on the temperature and moisture levels. The seedlings should be transplanted when they are about 3 to 4 weeks old, and the ideal time for transplantation is after the last frost has passed. It is essential to space the plants at a distance of about 10 cm (4 inches) apart to give enough room for growth.

Tissue Culture Propagation

Tissue culture propagation of Zea mays L. ssp. mexicana is an advanced technique that involves growing cells, tissues, or organs under sterile conditions in a nutrient-rich medium. The technique involves excising plant tissue with specific growth characteristics and then introducing them into an artificial growth medium. This method is commonly used to produce pathogen-free planting material.

Cuttings Propagation

Cuttings are also used to propagate Zea mays L. ssp. mexicana. Selected stems from healthy plants can be cut, dipped in rooting hormones, and then stuck into soil or water. With proper care and the use of rooting hormones, the cuttings should produce roots after a few weeks. Cuttings propagation should be done during the growing season, preferably during spring or summer when the plant is active.

Disease Management for Zea mays L. ssp. mexicana

Like any other crop, Zea mays L. ssp. mexicana is susceptible to various diseases that can negatively impact its growth, yield, and quality. One significant disease that affects maize is the fungal disease called "gray leaf spot" (GLS). GLS symptoms manifest as gray or tan oval lesions that may encircle the leaf and eventually lead to defoliation. Effective management of GLS can be achieved by planting resistant maize hybrids, crop rotation, and cultural practices such as appropriate nutrient and water management.

Another common disease in maize is "maize dwarf mosaic virus" (MDMV). MDMV infection causes stunted growth and abnormal maize ears, leading to significant yield loss. The virus is transmitted by aphids, and controlling aphid populations can help prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, planting virus-resistant maize hybrids and early planting can significantly reduce MDMV incidence.

Pest Management for Zea mays L. ssp. mexicana

Maize can also be affected by various pests that impede its productivity. One of the most destructive maize pests is the "fall armyworm" (FAW). FAW feeds on leaves and burrows into maize ears, causing significant yield loss. Effective IPM strategies are recommended, including regular scouting, early planting, and using pheromone traps. Applying biopesticides such as Baccilus thuringiensis (Bt) can also help to control FAW populations.

Another common maize pest is the "corn rootworm" (CRW). CRW larvae feed on maize root systems, weakening the plant's ability to take up water and nutrients, leading to stunted growth and yield loss. Crop rotation, planting of insect-resistant maize hybrids, and the use of chemical controls such as neonicotinoid insecticides can manage CRW populations.

In conclusion, managing maize diseases and pests can be challenging, but effective management practices can help minimize crop losses and maximize productivity. Growers who adopt integrated pest management (IPM) strategies can achieve a sustainable and profitable maize production system.