2. AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY - SWEET CORN TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE 1.0 INTRODUCTION Maize (Zea Mays L) is a type of cereal crops originated from Central America and was introduced in Malaysia in Sweet Corn in the early 70's. Corn acreage and production in Malaysia is shown in Table 1. Major states producing corn is Johor, Kelantan, Pahang and Perak. Table 1: Area and Sweet Corn Pengluaran by State in Malaysia (ha) for the years 2005 to 2007 State 2005 2006 2007 Wide Success (ha) Production (Mt) Wide Success (ha) Production (Mt) Wide Success (ha) Production (Mt) Johor 1,224.3 9,930.5 1,383.6 9,387.6 991.8 6001.7 Kedah 186.2 1,662.1 247.2 1,783.3 554.0 3415.4 Kelantan 713.6 4,529.9 754.6 4,532.3 814.1 4543.3 Melaka 95.2 730.5 95.6 1,073.3 115.0 805.0 805.0 N. Sembilan 174.7 715.6 177.5 1.621.6 262.0 1,333.7 Pahang 365.3 3,660.4 330.3 1,701.3 364.9 1515.6 Perak 536.1 3,122.0 380.5 2,371.3 380.5 2,371.3 Perlis 1.3 10.3 1.8 9.6 22.7 1,24.9 P. Pinang 59.5 416.4 100.2 701.2 305.2 1,527.8 Selangor 68.6 266.5 148.5 715.5 192.6 1,127.4 Terenggan u 439.4 1,671.3 46.4 181.7 56.0 322.1 Sem. Malaysia 3,864.3 26,615.6 3,666.2 24,078.6 4,059.2 23,088.2 1
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15 HLT Urea 46% N 130 kg / ha Spread 15 cm from the line and mix the soil
30 HLT Urea 46% N 12:12:17:2
130 kg / ha, 250 kg / ha
Spread 20 cm from the line and mix the soil
45 HLT Urea 46% N 130 kg / ha Spread 20 cm from the line and mix the soil
3. Organic Soil 1 HST 12:12:17:2 250 kg / ha Mixed into the soil
30 HLT Urea 46% N 12:12:17:2
210 kg / ha, 250 kg / ha
Spread 25 cm from the line and mix the soil
5.7 Water Management
5.7.1 Irrigation
Corn crop requires an average rainfall of 500-800 mm during the season for 120
days. Enough moisture in the early stages (within 18 days after planting until plant) and
flowering stage (40-70 days after planting) is required because if lack of water in the early stages
will result in lack of proliferation and death of trees. Lack of water between 20-40 days after
planting can cause stunted plant growth and affect the outcome. Drought at flowering stage can
reduce the filling of the corncob.
Signs of water shortage can be seen if the leaves roll in the morning even for trees
in the appearance of growth. For trees that were flowering, the leaves will wither away. Water
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shortages problems can be overcome by planting corn in the appropriate season. However,
irrigation is needed if the drought stricken at this critical stage or planting in the dry season.
Watering using plastic pipe is the cheapest way to save money, but needs more manpower for
operations over water. For commercial cultivation of irrigated using the stain or sprinkles system
is recommended. Type sprinklers are suitable for use with the operating pressure range of 2.0 -
3.0 kg / cm 2 with a flow rate spatter 0.3 - 1.0 l / sec and splash of the diameter range 25-30 m. A
pump with 5.0 hp engine power can carry eight points sprinklers with a flow rate of 0.65 liters /
sec at the same time. The distance between the sprinklers points suggested is 18 mx 12 m or 15
mx 15 m.
The frequency and quantity of water needed is depending on the tree size, soil
texture, and organic content in the soil, topography and duration of drought faced. Soil moisture
status can be determined by tensiometer device. Tensiometer is fitted with a sensor point 30 cm
from ground level. Tensiometer readings were given in the centibar. Status of moisture content
of the soil based to the tensiometer readings are shown in Table 10. Land that has a smooth
texture such as clay capable of holding more water that can be used by the trees compared to soil
with coarse texture like coarse sand. Therefore, the soil should be irrigated with coarse sand and
clay to be watered only when the water tension was increased to 50 centibar. that gross texture
land to be watered more often than the soil with fine texture. For medium textured soil with
frequent watering is needed is expected in two or three days once in the dry season.
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Table 10: Reading Tensiometer and Soil Moisture Status
Tensiometer reading (Centibar) Soil texture
Rough Sand Fine Sand Lom Clay0 Water Saturated Soil
0-10 Excess water in Soil10-20 Soil moisture at field capacity20-30 Adequate soil moisture30-40
Needs Irrigationand good ventilation
40-5050-60
5.7.2 Drainage
In addition to irrigation in the dry season, irrigation during the rainy season is also
very important to ensure good plant growth. As a general rule, specification and design of farm
drainage system as in Table 11 may be practiced. The water level in the soil should be at least
greater than 50 cm above the soil surface during planting season. The effect of water
accumulation is most apparent in the tree is still small. Corn with less than six leaves will die if
the water retention period beyond 24 hours. Trees in the ground are too wet to show signs of
nitrogen deficiency because the active denitrifikasi ditakungi ground water. In low areas, other
than to provide good water drainage, cultivation using line of row is recommended. If an
effective drainage system can not be provided, especially in the abandoned paddy land, the
planting should be avoided.
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Table 11: Specification and Design of Field Drainage System
Type of SoilDistance between drains
(m)Slope Depth (m)
Bottom Width(m)
Drainage Design
Sandy Lom 175-200 1:1 0.90 1:20
Clays and Silts
60-80 0.5:1 0.75 12:50
Organic 40-60 0.25:1 1:20 12:30
6.0 DISEASE AND PEST MANAGEMENT
6.1 Disease Control
Maize crops in Malaysia face a number of diseases, but so far there has not spread
attack records. Occurrence of these diseases happens everywhere and rarely requires treatment at
the farm level if properly implemented agricultural practice, especially seed treatment. The study
by the Institute of Seed Pathology, Denmark showed the presence of several types of pathogens
in the local seed, such as Fusarium moniliforme, Drechslera maydis, Fusarium semitectum,
Cephalosporium acremonium and Nigrospora spp. However, seed treatment with an appropriate
fungicide before planting can overcome this problem. At the farm, common diseases found were
leaf blight and rust leaf. At the farm, Common Diseases found were leaf Blight and leaf rust.
With correct culturer practices, such as farm hygiene and crop rotation, these diseases do not
need chemical control if the attack is not to exceed the economic threshold. With correct culturer
practices, such as farm hygiene and crop rotation, these Diseases do not need chemical control if
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the attack is not to exceed the economic threshold. Symptoms of the disease and control
recommendations are as follows: Symptoms of the disease and control recommendations are as
follows:
1. Pest List
No.s Type of Pest Part Attacked/symptoms Recommended Control
1
Ulat pengorek stem (Ostrinia salientialis)
Larvae dig and take part in the stem and cause the formation holes. Holes are the site of others pathogen attacked. Stools residues can be seen in the attack.
If necessary, spray with an insecticide such as Basillus thuringiensis, cypermethin or chlopyrifos with the recommended rate.
2
Ulat pengorek cobcorn (helicoverpa armigera)
Excavator caterpillar larvae dig holes corncob and cob damage by eating corn seeds at the end of young stages. Base of the corncob after attacked by the worms will be attacked by secondary pests.
If necessary, spray with an insecticide such as Basillus thuringiensis, cypermethin or chlopyrifos with the recommended rate.
3
Ulat ratus (Spodoptera litura)
Worms eat leaves, shoots and sometimes the end of the capillary and corncob. Leaves will show effect on the lace and a hole at side and it’s able to attack until remained frames.
If necessary, spray with profenofos, quinalphos or cypermethrin. Follow the instructions that appear on the label.
4
Leaves Lice (Rhopalosiphum maidis)
Worm attacked by sucking the liquid leaves, buds, flowers and leaves to eat young cob. Causing the cob change color, wilts, and encourages the presence of black mould or fungus attack but normally it does not cause serious damage.
If necessary, spray with cypermethrin, lufenuron or Deltamethrin. Follow the instructions that appear on the label.
5
Green Bedbug (Nezara viridula)
Bedbug attack leaves, flowers and suck the liquid containing in the corn seeds until become black
If necessary, spray with cypermethrin, lufenuron or Deltamethrin. Follow the instructions that appear on the label.
Caterpillar Excavator Stick
2. List of Diseases
No.s Type of diseases Part Attacked/symptoms Recommended Controls
1 Downy Kulapok - caused by the fungus Scerophthora
The disease can be identified by the yellow stripes on the leaves above and followed by the formation of mold, signs of rot and brown, stunted growth and lack of grain
Th desease destroy diseased plants and the use of disease-free seed
2 mm spots yaws fine orange/stainless steel leaf surface resulting in the leaves of a hot and humid kering.Temperatures increasing incidence of this disease.
Destroy diseased plants, practice crop rotation, and make sure the cleaner is well drained. Sprayed fungicide such as copper oxyyclorid or mancozeb following the recommended rate.
3 Leaf blight, caused by the fungus Drechslera maydia
Young brown spots, oval or elongated up to 2.5cm in between the leaf veins. Always found at any season.
Destroy the plants attacked by diseases, use of disease-free seeds, crop rotation practice, make sure well drained and control with fungicide such as benomyl or mancozeb, if necessary.
4 Leaf shealth, leaf-blight fungus Rhizoctonia solani disebkan by
Infection of the leaves causing spots on seludang/leaf shealth. Oval-long gray color spots surrounded with dark brown stripe. Spots growth and color become dark and started producing sklerotia (black pips) in the spots. In high humidity, misillium fungi easily infected the leaves shealth and any leaves that is in contact.
Destroy or killed the trees that are infected, practice crop rotation and ensure that drained in best condition. If necessary, controlled by using pesticides benomyl at recommended dose. Avoid usage of excessive N fertilizers.
5 Leaf spots, caused by the fungus Curvularia lunata curvularia
Round spots 1-2 mm, yellowish brown with brown edges and there is a yellow circle around.
Destroy diseased plants, practice crop rotation, ensure cleaned and well drained.
6 Smut - caused by fungi ustilago maydis
Fungi form a itself at the corn kernels, like a ball shaped. Blackish spora blanketing the kernel, leaf and other parts. Serious infection occured during heavy rain.
Destroy by planting or burn the fruit/ tree/stump after collecting yield or product. Not to be given to livestocks or animals due to poisonous.
7 Bacterial attacked stem causing to rot by Erwinia carotovora-
Tree decay, rotten and wet. Smell badly at the infected parts.
Destroyed plants that is infected, burned crop waste, practice crop rotation, and choose area with better drained for planting.
8 Burned effect to seedlings - caused by the fungus Fusarium sp Phytium rhizoctonia sp or sp
There burned effect on the part of seeds that is embedded in the soil. Fungus causing the seeds bad before germinates or it may germinates but infected with fungus.
Destroyed infected crops. Practice crop rotation, create good drainage and treat the seeds with thiram or captan at a recommended dose before planting.
In general, pest management for corn can be divided into two stages, the stages of
potential growth and the production of corncob stages. Corn is attacked by the stem excavator
19
from seedlings stage to the expansion of cob. But the attack on crops during three to seven weeks
that should be worried more. Trees that are grown above this age are usually resistant to attack
and control measures are not needed after the male flowers grown. Starting from week three to
seven after planting, plants should be checked every week. When 10% of the trees found
attacked by worms, spraying pesticide/herbicide action should be taken. As the sweet corn grown
for fresh consumption, protection and careful control of the quality of the corncobs is very
important because the damage that occurs can affect the quality of revenue and the selling price.
To determine the pest population levels by using the following method:
Randomly select a number of sampling stations in the area planted. The number of stations
depending on the area planted. Many stations will give more accurate results but will take longer
for the census. Typically, three stations per hectare are sufficient to give satisfactory levels of
pest populations. Each station consists of twenty trees in a row. Check each tree and determine
the percentage of trees containing the pest concerned. Calculate the length of all stations in the
area surveyed.
Control measures will take part when only if the number exceeds the level of pest
damage. If the plants made in phases, the pest population level survey to be made in different
stages. Usually, the small stage maggots will be at outer surface exposed to the poison sprayed
and easily controlled. Maggots, which are larger and sheltered in the trees part (stems or cobs)
are more difficult to be controlled by spraying with pesticides.
Recommended poison and methods of poisoning corn pest as shown in Table 12
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Table 12: Types of pesticides and methods recommended.
Type of Pest Name of Pest Pesticide Recommended
Method of Poisoning
Stem excavators, caterpillar eating leaves
Ostrinia salientalis, Spodoptera litura
Chiorpyrifos, Diazinon, Cypermethrin
Spray pesticide when an action threshold level (ATL)
Spray on the cobs at flowering stage, repeat after a week if necessary
6.3 Weeds Control
Weeds control program is suggested below. However, the types of pesticides are
used depending on the type of weeds found in the boxes. Usage of suitable herbicides for pre-
growth stages. Spray evenly with the row of corn per hectare in 450-600 liters of water
immediately after planting. For the broad leaf weeds, chemical control at the age of 17-19 days
of a tree can be done using appropriate herbicides. Poison does not have a negative effect on corn
plants if the spray is made before 19 days after planting, ie at the level of corn has four leaves
were fluffy yarned.
6.4 Prohibited Period Revenue Collection
Areas that use pesticides can cause side effects on the environment and health of
consumers in the long run. Spraying should be done prudently. Follow the recommended order
of use as well as follow Prohibited Period Revenue Collection (PPRC) specified in the pesticide
product label.
21
7.0 MATURITY AND COLLECTION OF REVENUE
7.1 Maturity Results
Corn-ears for the cultivars, recommended cultivars are harvested composite
between 60 to 70 days after planting. Corn hybrids, such as Honey Jean No. 2 flowered earlier
and began to be collected 60 to 65 days after planting. Appropriate corncob collected as fresh
corn when the kernel has reached the maximum size but not yet showing signs of shrink.
Corncob at this stage has brown hairs. However, the color of hair and tree is affected by fertility
status. Fertile trees and receiving high nitrogen rate the corncob capillary hair slowly turn brown.
Corncobs from a more fertile tree are usually mature earlier than other trees.
7.2 Revenue Collection
Revenue collection should be done every two days. It may be continued for 2
weeks. Only the confirmed ear-ears were filled only to be market. This can be determined by
way of holding it in your palm and feel the solid boulders. Trees were harvested to facilitate the
harvesting broken next.
For the recommended cultivars, usually every tree only produced one cob if
grown with a density of 40.000 to 50.000 plants/ha. If found the percentage of trees producing
two corncob per plant is high, this indicates that the tree density is too low. For corns that
produce two boulders, the second boulders, the cob at the bottom one oftenly is poor quality.
With good care, will give a large boulders (more than 30 g/cob), and it could reached 25.000
boulders per hectare. When mixed with the medium-sized boulders estimated total of boulders to
be market are 30,000 cobs per hectare.
22
8.0 HARVEST OF PAST PRODUCTION
8.1 Storage of Product
When sweet corn harvested, the cob is still alive and active, continuing all the
biological activity such as breathing, heat and sweat, for cobs that have not been collected, the
metabolic substrate and water lost through metabolic activity will be replaced by trees through
photosynthesis and absorption through the roots. Replacement of metabolic substrates are no
longer occurs when the maize is harvested and corncob entirely depending on reserves food and
moisture, which it had to bear the subsequent metabolic activity. Thus, the quality of the
harvested corncob will be degraded when stored longer. Proper handling after harvest is
necessary to slow down the metabolic activity so that the quality of corn can be kept for a longer
period.
The corncobs are not advisable to be pile up high in a long period, as the
temperature at the center of the pile will increase. Research by MARDI, shows the temperature
at the center of the pile can raise from 30˚C to 34˚C in two hours. Increased of temperature will
accelerate the decline in the quality cobs. Sugar contents will decreased rapidly if the boulders
are pile high up or exposed to heat. In normal circumstances, the boulders can be stored for 24-
36 hours without affecting the quality of the ketara. Corncob for the domestic market does not
require special storage facilities if the results can be quickly marketed. For the local market, the
revenue of corn can be done after four o'clock. Cobs are filled in the plastic bags or baskets and
transported to destinations in the evening so that sales can be conducted in the morning the next
day.
23
Proper handling of corn after harvest is needed if the cobs had to be stored for
longer periods. Corncob can be stored up to three weeks at 3 - 5˚C without compromising
quality. For this purpose, the cobs are clean, quickly graded and cooled quickly by soaking the
ear in water at a temperature of 1 - 3˚C. Through this process, the corncobs temperature can be
reduced to10˚C. The cooled cobs are wrapped in polyethylene film or put in a perforated
polyethylene bags and kept in a cold room at a temperature of 0 - 15˚C.
8.2 Marketing
Outcome from the farm usually sold to the buyer based on the numbers of cobs or bags. Prices
offered are according to the grade and current prices and no specific standards to grade the
corncob. However, for composit corn, cobs weight including cobs skin that exceed 300 grams, in
full content, free from insects and disease and with the boulders maturity suitable to be placed in
high-grade category. The normal hybrid corn grown by farmers, although more uniform in size
but it is smaller. Weight of a high-grade corncob hybrids, usually in the range of 250 to 325
grams. Sweet corn sold to consumers in the form of boulders in the form of fresh or cooked.
Sales of fresh corn conducted at the local market, including supermarket or departmental store.
Corns sold in supermarkets often have been cleaned and packed, and sold at a high price. Corns
are also sold in the form of cooked food including boiled corn or baked maize. The sales are
done at food stalls as well as by hawkers in the public places.
9.0 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
9.1 Cost of Production
In general the production cost estimates are shown in Table 13. Production costs
divided by fixed costs and variable cost. Fixed cost including land taxation and depreciation of
24
irrigation system and agricultural implements used, which is non-cash expenses. Land taxation is
at RM167/musim/tahun (3 seasons). Depreciation of agricultural equipment and machinery is
estimated at RM2, 000.00 per year.
Variable costs included the cost of materials input and labour costs. Seeds cost,
fertilizr, weedkiller, various pesticides and other inputs such as diesel, engine oil, sacks, ropes
and many others. The total cost of input materials is estimated at RM 3,402.30/ha/musim. Labour
cost to carry out all farm activities including cleaning and plowing soil. It is estimated at
RM2,110.00/ha/musim. Total production cost is RM5, 879.30/ha/musim.
9.2 Yield and Price
The average yield of marketable quality corncob is 30.000 hectare. Sweet corn
prices at the farm often face fluctuations affected by the factors of quality and quantity of corn
supply. In the year 1988 - 1992, Sweet Corn prices are between RM0.08/cob and RM 0.25/cob at
the farm level. Nowadays at the farm level sweet corn prices is RM 0.30/cob.
9.3 Viability Planting Sweet Corn
Summary of economic analysis Sweet Corn planting is screening as shown in Table 13.
With 30.000 production of corncobs/ha and gross of RM0.30/cob, gross income is
RM9,000.00 ha/season, and by taking into account the costs involved in the production of net
income estimated at RM 3,120.70 ha/season. At RM 0.30/cob and production of 30.000 cobs/ha,
for every income on every investment returns is RM0.19.
25
Table 12: Estimated cost of sweet corn production per hectare
Planting distance : 0.45 m x 0.6 m
Number of trees : 30,000 trees.
Harvesting period : 60 - 70 days after planting in the farm
Matter QuantityPrice
(RM)/UnitValue Cost
(RM)
A. Gross Income 30,000/cobs 0.3/cobs 9,000.00
B. Cost
I. Material Input Costs
1. Benih Seed 10 Kg 5/Kg 50.00
2. Fertilizer
a. Lime b. Chicken Fecesc. NPK 12:12:17:2 d. Urea
3 tons 5 tons 0.5 tons 0:26 tan
160/tan 200/tan 1,500 tonne 1,300/tonne
480.00 1,000.00 750.00 338.00
3. Chemical Poisons
a. Insecticides b. Fungicide c. Herbicides
(Pre-growth + Post growth)
3 liter 2 kg 8 liters
65/liter16/kg 19/liter
195.00 32.00 152.00
4. Materials
a. Petroleum @ 2 liters of fuel/day 1.6 liter 96.00
5. Input 10% of total material costs 309.30
Subtotal I 3,402.30
II. Labour costs
1. Land preparation and limits 2. Planting/embroidering 3. Flush 4. Become strong 5. Weed control 6. Controlling insects, diseases7. Collection of production income
Contract
12 th 9 th10 th10 th10 th
30 th30 th30 th30 th 30 th
400.00
360.00 270.00 300.00 300.00 300.00
26
6 th 30 th 180.00
Sub-total II 2,110.00
III.Fixed Costs
I. Land Taxation 3 season / year
2. Depreciation of Sprinkle Irrigation Equipment
3 season/year 167/year
2,000.00/ton
167.00
200.00
Subtotal III 367.00
Total Production Cost (I + II + III)
5,879.30
C. Income
1. Total Revenue (RM)2. Total Production Costs 3. Net Income 4. B/C Ratio 5. Break-Even Price (Cost/cob)
9,000.00 5,879.30 3,120.70
1:53 0.19
Table 13: Summary of Economic analysis Planting Sweet Corn Cultivars Composite
a. The average corncob production = 30,000/h/season b. The average farm price = RM 0.30/cob c. Gross income (axb) = RM9, 000.00/ha/season d. Total production costs = RM5, 879.30/ha/season e. Net income (c - d) = RM3, 120.70 f. Benefit cost ratio (c: d) = 1:53 g. Break-even price (d / a) = 0.19
27
References:
1. Aldrich, SR, WO Scott, ERLeng, 1976 Modern Corn Production, A & L Publications,
Station A, Box F, Champaign, Illinois 61820.
2. A. Ahmad, AR, NA Wahab, A. Kamarudin & CC Ting. Kamarudin 1990 Acidity
Amendments and Crop Responses to Liming Of Malaysian Soils, Special Report,
Serdang : MARDI
3. Anon. 1977 A Compendium of Corn Diseases. 1977 A Compendium of Corn Diseases.
The American Phytopatho-logical Society, 3340 Pilot Knob Road, St. Paul, MN 55121
4. Anon. 1991 Manual Prosedur Pengeluaran Biji Benih Jagung, Nota Panduan, Perak :