Assessment of Lodging Traits for Improving Agronomic Performance in DAS Corn Hybrids.

Lodging is known to affect yield negatively. To assess the effect of root lodging (RL) and stalk lodge (SL) on yield and other traits, 2YD corn hybrids grown in the midwest corn belt with RM of 95 to 110 were evaluated.  Analysis of 2 year data revealed positive association between RL and SL and no correlation with other traits. Location and year effect had a large effect on RL and SL. Lack of correlation between RL or SL and other traits could allow improvement in both traits with no detrimental impact on yield and other related traits. A better analytical model would help in the identification of lodging tolerant hybrids