Growth regulator herbicides can increase the incidence and severity of brittle snap injury by impacting cell division in the nodal areas and increasing the brittleness that is observed. Other meristematic regions in corn under rapid development at this time are the developing ears, nodal roots and brace roots. Agronomic factors influencing hybrid growth and development Hybrid sensitivity Genetic differences do exist among hybrids for brittle snap injury. Some hybrids with comparatively slow early growth show increased risk, while other hybrids with relatively fast early growth have exhibited limited risk of injury at this stage. Managing The Risk Of Brittle Stalk Injury Because it is a weather-related phenomenon, it is impossible to completely manage the risk of brittle snap.
Hybrids go through windows of susceptibility to brittle snap injury at different stages.
Planting a package spreads the risk of injury, since it is unlikely that all hybrids will be at the same stage of development at the time of any one storm. Plant a package of hybrids with varying brittle snap scores. When selecting hybrids with lower brittle snap scores, weigh the benefits in yield potential, early growth characteristics or other beneficial traits against your historical experiences with wind damage. Manage herbicide applications to minimize risk. Application of growth regulator herbicides, either alone or as part of a tank mix combination, can increase the risk of injury.