Apply post-emergence chemicals for weed control-
Weeds are the serious problem in Maize, particularly during kharif/monsoon season they competes with maize for nutrient and causes yield loss upto 35%. Therefore, timely weed management is needed for achieving higher yield. Take atleast one or two hand weeding in maize crop. First 20-25 days after sowing and second when on 40-45 days after sowing. If weed infestation is high, spray with Atrazine @500gm per 200 Ltr. of water. After weeding, apply fertilizer as top dressing and carry out earthing up operation.
Irrigate your maize crop regularly-
Avoid water stagnation in early phase of crop and provide good drainage facility. Crop required less irrigation during early stage, 20 to 30 days after sowing afterwards it required irrigation once in a week.
Seedling, knee height stage, flowering and grain feeling are the most sensitive stage for irrigation. Water stress at this stage causes huge loss in yield. In case of water scarcity, irrigate alternate furrow. It will save water also.
Monitor your field for some disease and insect/pest incidence-
Maize shootfly: Atherigona orientalis (Muscidae: Diptera)
Distribution and status: Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka.
Host range: Maize, sorghum, ragi and bajra
Damage symptoms: The maggot feeds on the young growing shoots resulting in “dead hearts”.
Bionomics: Small grey coloured fly.
Management-
- Grow resistant cultivars like DMR 5, NCD, VC 80
- Furrow application of phorate granules 10 G 10 kg/ha (or) lindane 6 G 25 kg per ha
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