how is maize propagated
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Answer:
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Maize can be harvested when the process of nutrients uptake into the kernels (physiological maturity) is complete. This cereal can be harvested by hand (harvesting ears) or mechanically (harvesting ears or grains).
Answer:
Growing the Parent Crop:
1. Plant heirloom corn seed when the soil temperature reaches at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Isolate the stand of heirloom corn. Maintain a distance of at least 700 feet from other corn crops or choose corn varieties that mature at least 14 days apart to prevent cross pollination
2. Sow corn seeds 2 inches deep, at a rate of four to six seeds per foot, in rows that are 30 to 36 inches apart.
3. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist until germination.
4. Expect the seeds to germinate within six to 10 days after planting.
5. Thin the plants so they stand 10 to 14 inches apart after the seeds germinate.
6. Supplement the natural rainfall so the plants receive between 1 and 1.5 inches of water per week.
7. Expect the corn to mature in 60 to 90 days depending on the variety. Cover each ear of corn that you plan to use for seed when the first tassel appears and before the silk emerges. Use a shoot bag designed for this purpose or a paper bag secured with string around the base of the ear of corn.
Harvesting Corn Seed:
1. Save corn seed using the dry method by allowing the cob to remain attached to the plant it’s growing on to dry for as long as possible.
2. Cut the ear of corn off the plant when the fall season produces damp weather.
3. Pull back the corn husks. Tie a string around the base of the ear of corn and hang it upside down away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place to finish drying.
4. Remove the seeds from the ear of corn when it is dry. Hold the ear in the palms of your hands and twist or pick out the seeds individually by hand.
5. Store the seeds in a paper bag in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them.