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Abstract

Maize is the second most important cereal crop in the world after wheat followed by rice. Although, it is among the latest entries in the list of food crops in Africa, maize has attracted much more attention in terms of research and adaptability. Consequently, maize has become the number 1 crop with significant contribution to modern farming and food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Majority of the population in the region depend on maize as their main source of calories, income and livelihood. Additionally, maize is of global importance as a model organism for advancement of genetic studies. However, maize production in the region is conditioned by complex factors leading to very low average yield compared to other parts of the world. General understanding of tropical maize is one of the key approaches required for improvement of tropical maize in SSA.Here an attempt was made to review various aspects of maize and major advances including the origin, taxonomy, genetics, morphology, physiology, cultural practices, yield potentials, breeding, and production constraints. The information generated could provide useful insights into tropical maize and might contribute towards enhancement of the crop for food security in SSA.

Maize Grain Germination Is Accompanied by Acidification of the Environment

“…The non-lignified cell walls of the living aleurone cells turn blue upon safranine/astra blue staining. The starchy endosperm fills the entire remaining interior of the grain and consists of dead cells containing mainly accumulated starch that is mobilised and nourishes the embryo during germination [2]. This tissue does not stain with the dyes used.…”

“…The most valuable part of the plant is the fruit, the caryopsis, or grain, which is densely filled with starch. Each fruit contains a single seed whose outer seed coat (testa) is tightly fused to the surrounding fruit wall (pericarp) and is called a caryopsis [1,2]. It is the reproductive organ of the plant, which cannot reproduce asexually and is difficult to propagate vegetatively.…”