| Several quantitative methods for evaluation of corn (Zea mays L.) stalk quality made at or near anthesis were examined during three years to determine if any were effective in predicting susceptibility to stalk lodging. Stalk measurements were made on eight single-cross hybrids at Urbana, IL while lodging data was collected from the same hybrids at 16 locations throughout the midwest. Stalk measurements significantly correlated with field stalk lodging were rind puncture, rind thickness, push tests, and susceptibility to anthracnose stalk rot, caused by Colletotrichum graminicola. The rind puncture method met all criteria since it was simple to do, non-destructive to plants, highly correlated with stalk lodging, and consistent in distinguishing between levels of lodging resistance of hybrids. This is the first study to demonstrate measurements taken at anthesis can predict a hybrid's stalk quality at maturity in several different locations. Relationships between various stalk measurements provided insight into the traits involved in stalk rot and lodging resistance. |
