LODGING-ENHANCING TECHNIQUES FOR USE ON CORN PERFORMANCE TRIALS IN SHORT-SEASON AREAS

A study was conducted during the 2 yr, 1978 and 1979, to determine an effective method of enhancing stalk lodging in maize (Zea mays L.) with the objective of being able to differentiate among hybrids for lodging susceptibility under conditions of low natural lodging. Six maize hybrids representing a wide range of stalk lodging resistance were used in the study. The techniques utilized were inoculating plants with a stalk rot pathogen (Gibberella zeae (Schw.) Petch) and/or infesting plants with European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn.). Both techniques, individually or in combination, were effective in enhancing lodging. Under environmental conditions and cultural practices where natural stalk lodging was low and differences in stalk lodging among hybrids would have otherwise been masked, the two lodging-enhancing techniques allowed for improved detection of hybrid differences. Both treatment effects and differences among hybrids for stalk lodging increased as stalk lodging rating was delayed, indicat...