Maize (Zea mays) is today the most widely grown grain crop, with global production standing at just over one billion tons. Maize is a warm-weather crop; it is unsuitable for areas with a mean daily temperature of below 19°C, or where the mean summer temperature falls below 23°C.

In Africa where the temperature is mostly tropic and although the minimum temperature for germination of maize is 10°C, there is need for maize research to be intensive in as far as the growing of maize is concerned, in order to maximize its production.