Stay Patient When Evaluating Root Lodged Corn
JOE BUNCK
LUBBOCK, TEXAS
Spring weather conditions required many farmers to plant seed in suboptimal soil conditions, which often results in field situations that restrict proper root development. These challenging planting conditions can lead to greater risk for root lodging with the arrival of severe summer weather.
Root lodging can occur as early as the vegetative stage and as late as harvest maturity. Plants that are knee-high or shorter may recover without noticeable goosenecking, while taller plants may not straighten up but may gooseneck as the upper stalk internodes continue to elongate. If root lodging occurs before pollination, the plant is usually able to recover on its own and return to an upright growth pattern within a few days without severely affecting crop yield potential. Root lodging at the pollen shed stage, pollination or grain fill is susceptible to decreased yield potential.
It is important to be patient and allow the crop time to recover before estimating potential yield loss. Taking the time to evaluate fields that have lodged can help determine what management practices to put in place for the remaining growing season and for next year. Contact your local Channel Seedsman to learn the best management tips for lodged corn fields.
Special management practices should be considered for plants that are damaged but survive root lodging. Lodged corn plants that are laying on each other may have a higher potential for disease development. Fungicides cannot recover yield potential lost due to lodging but may help protect against further yield reductions from some diseases. Fields where the lower part of the corn stalks have a gooseneck bend may require slower harvesting speeds to help prevent ear loss.
Weakened and underdeveloped roots that lead to root lodging are often caused by wet soil conditions early in the season, which inhibit root development or cause shallow roots. Seedlings may be hindered from anchoring due to soil and sidewall compaction. Seed planted in drought conditions can also be susceptible to root failure because brace roots lacking moisture will fail to grow and elongate. Dry, cloddy soil and shallow plantings can result in underdeveloped root systems, known as “rootless corn syndrome.”
Understanding the causes of root lodging in your field can provide valuable insight and direction for managing and harvesting the damaged crop and for future management decisions. Visit Channel.com/AgronomyLibrary or contact your local Channel Seedsman for more information about managing root lodging. ∆
JOE BUNCK: Channel Agronomist