How to Manage Your Maize Crop in 2025 for Maximum Yields
Kelvin Wairimu 
Green Maize
After planting maize, the most crucial phase begins—maize crop management. This includes fertilization, weed control, and pest control.
In our previous article, we discussed the best fertilizers for maize. We also covered the optimal times for fertilizer application. These insights help you achieve massive yields.
But even with quality seeds and perfect fertilization, that alone doesn’t guarantee a bumper harvest. Other critical success factors include consistent rainfall, effective weed control, and pest management.
Weed Control in Maize Farming
One of the major threats to maize productivity is weed competition. To ensure ease of management, intercropping, especially maize with beans, is not recommended.
Instead, opt for selective herbicides over manual weeding. Herbicides offer a cost-effective and efficient solution to weed management. Depending on weed type and growth stage, you can choose between pre-emergence and post-emergence selective herbicides.
When to Apply Herbicides:
Apply herbicides at least a month after sowing to avoid suppressing young maize plants.
Herbicide Application Rate:
- Use 4-5 liters of selective maize herbicides
- Mix at a ratio of 300ml per 20L of water
- Apply early in the morning
- Always add a sticker, such as Integra or Aquawet, for better absorption
Best Herbicides for Maize in 2025:
- 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D): A systemic herbicide that disrupts growth in broadleaf weeds. Grasses like maize remain unaffected.
- Governor 580SE and Tinganga 380SE: These herbicides are powerful against both broadleaf and grassy perennial weeds.
Using the right herbicide ensures your maize is weed-free, creating room for optimal growth and high yield.
Pest Control in Maize Farming
It’s frustrating to plant a high-performing maize variety, fertilize properly, control weeds, get perfect rainfall, and still harvest poorly. That’s where pest control becomes critical.
Common Maize Pests in Kenya 2025:
- Maize Stalk Borer
- Fall Armyworm (FAW)
These pests commonly attack 4-6 weeks after sowing and can devastate a maize farm if left unchecked.
Fall Armyworm (FAW) Infestation Signs:
- Lays 100-200 eggs on the underside of leaves
- Caterpillars feed on leaf undersides, creating transparent window patches
- Frass (insect poop) accumulates, drying to resemble sawdust
- Larger caterpillars become cannibalistic, reducing competition
- Can destroy the growing point of young plants, leading to no cobs forming
Difference Between Fall Armyworm and Stalk Borer:
| Feature | Fall Armyworm (FAW) | Maize Stalk Borer |
|---|---|---|
| Damage Type | Large feeding holes on leaves | Dead heart in young maize |
| Visibility | Found in whorl during all stages | Found in stem during late stages |
| Frass | Large, sawdust-like droppings | Present in stem, less visible |
Effective Insecticides for FAW and Stalk Borer:
- Emmaron 30SC
- Escort 19EC
The benefit? These insecticides control both pests effectively.
Final Word: How to Successfully Manage Your Maize Crop in 2025
Proper maize crop management is non-negotiable if you want to maximize your maize yield in 2025. Follow these core principles:
- Use selective herbicides for efficient weed control
- Understand pest behavior and monitor your field weekly
- Apply proven insecticides to combat FAW and stalk borer
- Don’t rely solely on good seeds and rainfall—follow through with management
When you combine proper fertilization, weed control, and pest management, you set yourself up for success. You are on your way to achieving record-breaking maize yields this season.
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