| ≥1 piece |
Maize is native to Central America (Oaxaca, Mexico) where it was domesticated, possibly as early as 5500 to 10000 BC. It later spread to Central America, Caribbean, South America and North America. Thanks to genetic selection and hybridation, it now grows worldwide between 58°N in Canada and Russia and 40°S in Chile and Argentina and from sea level to 3800 m altitude in the Andean mountains (Ecoport, 2010). Optimal growth conditions are 18-21°C average day-temperature, annual rainfalls superior to 750 mm, and deep, well-drained rich soils. It may withstand annual rainfalls ranging from 230 to 4100 mm, pH from 4.3 to 8.7 and a great variety of soils. Frost kills the plants. Drought is detrimental at flowering as it affects pollination and impairs yields. maize has no tolerance to flooding.