Expert Advisory Details

Some suggestions for curing maize crop in August month

Maize hybrid (PMH 1or PMH 2) can be sown during the second fortnight of this month in rows 60 cm apart and plant to plant distance of 20 cm. The sowing can be done on flat bed or side of the ridge depending upon the prevailing weather conditions. The agronomic practices and fertilizers are same as recommended for kharif crop. Adequate supply of water is essential for proper growth of crop. However, maize is very sensitive to standing water, so excess water may be drained out from the field which would also help to keep stalk rot under control. Damage due to standing water can be minimized by two sprays of 3 per cent urea solution at weekly interval or by applying additional nitrogen @ 12-24 kg (25-50 kg urea) per acre in case of moderate to severe damage after the flooding is over. Apply last dose of nitrogen i.e. 37 kg urea per acre to early sown hybrids or high yielding varieties of maize at the appearance of tassels. Apply 25 kg urea per acre to local maize/Pearl Popcorn/ Kesri. To control leaf blight, spray the crop with Indofil M 45 @ 200 g in 100 litres of water. The attack of maize borer can be checked with 30 ml of Coragen 18.5 SC (chlorantraniliprole) in 60 litres of water per acre. Bioagent Trichogramma chilonis can also be used to controls this pest.