Consistently high harvestable yield is the most important characteristic to be considered. Hybrids of the same maturity may differ widely in yield. Yield is the overall measure of how well the hybrid is adapted and how well it may respond to favorable weather and good management. Measured yields under a farmer's own conditions over three or four years will reflect the hybrid's ability to produce under specific soil, climatic and management conditions. Root lodging is considered to exist when stalks lean 45 degrees or more.
Hybrids differ in the patterns and rate of brace root development.
Of course, high corn rootworm infestations can contribute greatly to root lodging. Shorter plants with low ears are less susceptible to lodging, but some newer hybrids seldom root lodge although they are rather tall and have high ear placement. Stalk breakage is higher at high plant populations, in hybrids with less stalk strength, or in insect or disease damaged stalks. Stalks with a heavy rind and high strength are less subject to ear loss due to breakage even if damaged by corn borers or stalk rots. Important differences exist among hybrids in ability to retain ears until harvest time, thus directly influencing harvestable yield.