Hybrid Differences Pioneer Research Emphasizes Stalk Quality Summary Stalk lodging problems are common in the U.S. corn crop each year, due to a variety of stresses that affect stalk quality. Drought, low sunlight, insect and disease pressure, and low fertility are major stresses that reduce the photosynthetic rate or leaf area of the corn plant. If photosynthesis is unable to supply the demands of the developing kernels, the plant redirects root and stalk carbohydrates to the ear.
Stalk rot organisms can then invade weakened and dying plant tissues.
Careful scouting and harvesting fields according to crop conditions can help prevent field losses due to low stalk quality. Pioneer researchers focus on stalk quality as a top priority, utilizing intense selection procedures against stalk lodging at every stage of the hybrid development process. This Crop Insights will explain the causes of stalk rot problems in corn, and how to prevent stalk problems from reducing harvestable yield. Many different stresses to the corn plant can lower stalk quality, with the result that stalk problems are common each year in the major U.S. corn-growing areas. Drought stress, reduced sunlight, insect and disease pressure and hail damage are stresses that can result in poor stalk quality.