*2.5.3 Maize*

*Zea mays* L., alternatively referred to as corn is a native of the Western Hemisphere and its production in the USA exceeds that of others countries [72]. The kernel which is the reproductive seed of the plant has four main parts, and these are the germ, the endosperm, the pericarp and the tip cap. It is an inexpensive source of starch and it is a major source of energy for animal feed [65, 70]. Among the hundreds of different varieties of wheat grains, only four varieties listed below are of commercial importance:

1.Dent maize (identified by the dent in the crown of the kernel);

2.Flint maize (hard, round kernels);

3.Sweet corn (a dent-type maize);

4.Popcorn (flint-type maize which expands when heated).
