Maize (Zea mays), also known as corn, belongs to the Poaceae family and it is native to Mexico and Central America. Maize has become a staple food in many parts of the world and also, some of the maize production is used for corn ethanol, animal feed and other maize products, such as corn starch, corn syrup and raw material in industry. 

​

Maize is widely cultivated throughout the world (from 58° N latitude in Canada and Russia to 40° S latitude in South America), and a greater weight of maize is produced each year than any other grain. The plant is a tall annual grass with a stout, erect, solid stem. Commercial classifications, based mainly on kernel texture, include dent corn, flint corn, flour corn, sweet corn, and popcorn.