Corn (Zea mays) is a member of the grass (Poaceae) family. Although field corn is grown in every province, approximately 96% of the crop is grown in Eastern Canada in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Field corn is Canada's third largest grain crop after wheat and barley and is the most important one in eastern Canada.
Corn produced in Canada is used as livestock feed and to produce a variety of food and industrial products. In addition, corn is now being used for the manufacture of many new products such as absorbents, non-petroleum-based "plastics" and fuel ethanol (ethyl alcohol).
The Crop Profile for Field Corn provides an overview of production and pest management practices for field corn in Canada. Information is provided on abiotic factors affecting its growth. The biology of key disease, insect and mite and weed problems is presented as well as cultural, chemical and alternative methods of control. Detailed information is provided in tabular form on pest occurrence, integrated pest management options and registered pesticides available to growers.
Grower issues/ gaps in pest management, identified through stakeholder consultations are described in each of the three main sections (disease, insect and mite and weed) and under each pest description. Research contacts and sources of additional information on field corn production are listed at the end of the profile.
Limited crop production and market statistics are provided in the profile to give context to the economic importance of the commodity. For more detailed statistics pertaining to the crop, the reader is referred to Statistics Canada.
The Crop Profile for Field Corn in Canada is not intended for use as a crop production guide. Detailed information on crop production and pest management in specific regions is available through provincial ministry of agriculture websites and provincial crop specialists.
The Crop Profile for Field Corn in Canada (full report) is available from Government of Canada Publications.