majs

Majs is the term used for maize, the cereal crop from the species Zea mays. It was domesticated in the Balsas River basin of southwestern Mexico about 9,000 years ago and spread to other regions through trade and exploration. Maize is one of the most important staple crops worldwide, providing calories for humans, feed for livestock, and raw material for industry.

Zea mays encompasses a wide range of cultivated types, including dent, flint, flour, sweet corn, popcorn, and waxy maize. Breeding programs focus on increasing yield, improving grain quality, enhancing resistance to pests and diseases, and adapting to various climates and soils. End uses vary from dried kernels and cornmeal to fresh sweet corn, as well as industrial products such as starch, corn syrup, and ethanol.

Cultivation of maize is adapted to warm-season conditions. It is a frost-sensitive annual that requires well-drained soil, full sun, and adequate moisture. Typical management practices include appropriate planting density, fertilizer application, weed control, and monitoring for pests and diseases. Common pests include corn borers and rootworms, while diseases such as leaf blights and rusts can affect yields.

Global significance is evident in the distribution of major producers, including the United States, China, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. Maize supports food security, feeds livestock, and serves as a feedstock for various industrial products. In many regions, maize is processed into locally important foods and products, making it a central component of agricultural systems worldwide.