Corn seed for rainy season
Growing maize in rainy season is the main season in Thailand. The cultivation of rainfed maize is categorized according to geographical features into 3 areas: river basin, flat, and slope. Different corn seed are suitable for each of these areas.
- In river basin areas, such as riverbanks, marshes, canals, swamps, and reservoirs, there are risk of flooding during the rainy season. Farmers in these areas need to select corn seed with a short maturity period, typically not exceeding 100 days to ensure harvesting before the water levels rise during the peak of the rainy season. Therefore, there's no need to waste time selecting long-maturing seed. These areas are commonly found in the northern region of Thailand, such as Lampang, Phayao, and Chiang Rai.
- In flat or farm areas, where the soil is relatively consistent, maize cultivation is predominant. These areas are suitable for both early and late-season maize and typically large-scale plots where machinery is utilized extensively from planting to harvesting. Farmers should select high-yielding corn seed that capable of withstanding dense planting densities ranging from 11,000 to 15,000 plants per Rai. Corn seed in these regions respond well to fertilization with a harvesting age of approximately 100 to 120 days. They can be harvested fresh or semi-dry and they are often using combine harvesters to prevent seed shattering. These major area include Saraburi, Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun, and Nakhon Ratchasima.
- In sloped areas, where there is a gradient diseases such as southern bacterial leaf blight, root rot, and stalk rot are more prevalent. Farmers in these areas should select corn seed with good disease resistance, strong root systems, and sturdy stalks. The harvesting age typically ranges from 110 to 150 days, although in some areas the plants may need to stand for up to 180 days. It's essential for the plants not to lodge and for the cobs not to develop fungal infections before harvesting can commence after the rainy season. Additionally, it's crucial that there's minimal weight loss during storage in silos while awaiting sale. These areas are commonly found in Loei, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phayao, Lampang, Tak, Phrae, and Uttaradit.
