Effect of altered leaf angle on maize stalk lodging resistance

Abstract Background: Stalk lodging (breaking of plant stems prior to harvest) is a major impediment to increasing agricultural yields of grain crops. Rind puncture resistance is commonly used to predict the lodging resistance of several crop species. However, there exist no standard operating procedures or suggested protocols for conducting rind penetration experiments. In addition, experimental details of rind penetration tests such as the shape and size of the penetrating probe are rarely reported in the literature. This has prevented meta-analysis of results and has likewise prevented key findings of past studies from being replicated. As a first step towards establishing an agreed upon measurement standard for rind puncture resistance this study investigates the effect of the puncturing probe’s geometry on test results.Results: Results demonstrate that probe geometry has a significant impact on test results. In particular, results showed that a 2mm diameter chamfered probe produced stronger correlations with stalk bending strength than a 1.5mm diameter pointed probe. The chamfered probe was also more strongly correlated with geometric features of the stalk that are known to influence stalk lodging resistance (e.g., rind thickness, diameter and section modulus). In addition, several alternative rind penetration metrics were investigated, and some were found to be superior to the most common rind penetration metric of maximum load. Conclusions:There is a need in the agricultural and plant science community to create agreed-upon operating procedures and testing standards related to mechanical traits of plant stems. In particular, a standardized probe geometry and insertion rate for rind penetration studies are needed to enable greater interoperability and meta-analysis of results. Probe shape and size should be reported in any study conducting rind penetration tests as these factors significantly impact test results.

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

Canadian Journal of Plant Science ◽

10.4141/cjps82-047 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 62 (2) ◽

pp. 299-304

Author(s):

S. TWUMASI-AFRIYIE ◽

R. B. HUNTER

Keyword(s):

European Corn Borer ◽

Zea Mays L ◽

Cultural Practices ◽

Gibberella Zeae ◽

Lodging Resistance ◽

Corn Borer ◽

Maize Hybrids ◽

Stalk Rot ◽

Wide Range ◽

Stalk Lodging

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, indicating delayed rating is preferable. Disadvantages to delayed rating are discussed.

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The Overlooked Biomechanical Role of the Clasping Leaf Sheath in Wheat Stalk Lodging

Frontiers in Plant Science ◽

10.3389/fpls.2021.617880 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Joseph Cornwall ◽

Christopher J. Stubbs ◽

Christopher S. McMahan ◽

Daniel J. Robertson

Keyword(s):

Bending Strength ◽

Flexural Rigidity ◽

Leaf Sheath ◽

Effective Diameter ◽

Lodging Resistance ◽

Failure Patterns ◽

Bending Loads ◽

Stalk Lodging ◽

Biomechanical Factors

The biomechanical role of the clasping leaf sheath in stalk lodging events has been historically understudied. Results from this study indicate that in some instances the leaf sheath plays an even larger role in reinforcing wheat against stalk lodging than the stem itself. Interestingly, it appears the leaf sheath does not resist bending loads by merely adding more material to the stalk (i.e., increasing the effective diameter). The radial preload of the leaf sheath on the stem, the friction between the sheath and the stem and several other complex biomechanical factors may contribute to increasing the stalk bending strength and stalk flexural rigidity of wheat. Results demonstrated that removal of the leaf sheath induces alternate failure patterns in wheat stalks. In summary the biomechanical role of the leaf sheath is complex and has yet to be fully elucidated. Many future studies are needed to develop high throughput phenotyping methodologies and to determine the genetic underpinnings of the clasping leaf sheath and its relation to stalk lodging resistance. Research in this area is expected to improve the lodging resistance of wheat.

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The Effect of Self-Loading on the Mechano-Stability and Stalk Lodging Resistance of Plant Stems

10.1101/2020.03.21.001727 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Christopher J Stubbs ◽

Yusuf Oduntan ◽

Tyrone Keep ◽

Scott D Noble ◽

Daniel J. Robertson

Keyword(s):

Structural Integrity ◽

Bending Strength ◽

Flexural Rigidity ◽

Critical Role ◽

External Loading ◽

Lodging Resistance ◽

Plant Weight ◽

Agricultural Plant ◽

Generalized Framework ◽

Stalk Lodging

AbstractBackgroundStalk lodging (breaking of agricultural plant stalks prior to harvest) is a multi-billion dollar a year problem. Stalk lodging occurs when bending moments induced by a combination of external loading (e.g. wind) and self-loading (e.g. the plant’s own weight) exceed the bending strength of plant stems. Previous biomechanical plant stem models have investigated both external loading and self-loading of plants, but have evaluated them as separate and independent phenomena. However, these two types of loading are highly interconnected and mutually dependent. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to investigate the combined effect of external loads and plant weight on the displacement and stress state of plant stems / stalks, and (2) to provide a generalized framework for accounting for self-weight during mechanical phenotyping experiments used to predict stalk lodging resistance.ResultsA method of properly accounting for the interconnected relationship between self-loading and external loading of plants stems is presented. The interconnected set of equations are used to produce user-friendly applications by presenting (1) simplified self-loading correction factors for a number of common external loading configurations of plants, and (2) a generalized Microsoft Excel framework that calculates the influence of self-loading on crop stems. The effect of self-loading on the structural integrity of wheat is examined in detail. A survey of several other plants is conducted and the influence of self-loading on their structural integrity is also presented.ConclusionsThe self-loading of plants plays a potentially critical role on the structural integrity of plant stems. Equations and tools provided herein enable researchers to account for the plant’s weight when investigating the flexural rigidity and bending strength of plant stems.

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High throughput phenotyping of cross-sectional morphology to assess stalk lodging resistance

Plant Methods ◽

10.1186/s13007-021-00833-3 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yusuf A. Oduntan ◽

Christopher J. Stubbs ◽

Daniel J. Robertson

Keyword(s):

Finite Element ◽

High Throughput ◽

Plant Traits ◽

Finite Element Models ◽

Vascular Bundles ◽

Lodging Resistance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Conium Maculatum ◽

Finite Element Software ◽

Stalk Lodging

Abstract Background Stalk lodging (mechanical failure of plant stems during windstorms) leads to global yield losses in cereal crops estimated to range from 5% to 25% annually. The cross-sectional morphology of plant stalks is a key determinant of stalk lodging resistance. However, previously developed techniques for quantifying cross-sectional morphology of plant stalks are relatively low-throughput, expensive and often require specialized equipment and expertise. There is need for a simple and cost-effective technique to quantify plant traits related to stalk lodging resistance in a high-throughput manner. Results A new phenotyping methodology was developed and applied to a range of plant samples including, maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), wheat (Triticum aestivum), poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), and Arabidopsis (Arabis thaliana). The major diameter, minor diameter, rind thickness and number of vascular bundles were quantified for each of these plant types. Linear correlation analyses demonstrated strong agreement between the newly developed method and more time-consuming manual techniques (R2 > 0.9). In addition, the new method was used to generate several specimen-specific finite element models of plant stalks. All the models compiled without issue and were successfully imported into finite element software for analysis. All the models demonstrated reasonable and stable solutions when subjected to realistic applied loads. Conclusions A rapid, low-cost, and user-friendly phenotyping methodology was developed to quantify two-dimensional plant cross-sections. The methodology offers reduced sample preparation time and cost as compared to previously developed techniques. The new methodology employs a stereoscope and a semi-automated image processing algorithm. The algorithm can be used to produce specimen-specific, dimensionally accurate computational models (including finite element models) of plant stalks.

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Nitrogen Split Application Can Improve the Stalk Lodging Resistance of Maize Planted at High Density

Agriculture ◽

10.3390/agriculture10080364 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 364 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Qun Wang ◽

Jun Xue ◽

Guoqiang Zhang ◽

Jianglu Chen ◽

Ruizhi Xie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Grain Filling ◽

Application Rate ◽

Breaking Force ◽

Nitrogen Application ◽

Lodging Resistance ◽

Total N ◽

Basal Internode ◽

Stalk Lodging ◽

Grain Filling Stage ◽

Nitrogen Application Rate

The decrease of maize stalk quality is an important reason for stalk lodging during the grain filling stage. In the present study, a maize cultivar was planted at densities of 7.5, 9.0, 10.5, 12.0, and 13.5 × 104 plants ha−1 and subjected to nitrogen application rates of 0, 270, 360, and 450 kg ha−1 (denoted as N0, N270, N360, and N450). The stalk breaking force, mechanical strength, carbohydrate content, and nitrogen content of basal internodes were determined to study the effects of nitrogen application rate on the stalk lodging resistance of maize under different planting densities with integrated watering and fertilization using drip irrigation. At densities of 7.5 to 10.5 × 104 plants ha−1, the stalk breaking force, rind penetration strength (RPS), and crushing strength (CS) of the basal internode decreased first and then increased with increasing nitrogen application rate, with the lowest values obtained for the N270 treatment. Meanwhile, at planting densities of 12.0 × 104 plants ha−1 and above, the stalk breaking force, RPS, and CS increased with increasing nitrogen application rate. The basal internode dry weight per unit length (DWUL) and total N content increased with increasing nitrogen application rate. The breaking force was significantly positively correlated with the DWUL and mechanical strength of the basal internode. The RPS showed a positive linear correlation with the contents of cellulose, lignin, and total N of the third internode. Under the split application of water and fertilizer, the maize stalk total dry matter and contents of cellulose, lignin, and total nitrogen increased with increasing nitrogen fertilization rate during the grain filling stage at high planting density, so the stalk lodging resistance improved.

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A Non-Destructive and Direction-Insensitive Method Using a Strain Sensor and Two Single Axis Angle Sensors for Evaluating Corn Stalk Lodging Resistance

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s18061852 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 1852 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Qingqian Guo ◽

Ruipeng Chen ◽

Xiaoquan Sun ◽

Min Jiang ◽

Haifeng Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Strain Sensor ◽

Corn Stalk ◽

Lodging Resistance ◽

Stalk Lodging ◽

Non Destructive

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The Effect of Plant Weight on Estimations of Stalk Lodging Resistance

10.21203/rs.3.rs-18630/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Christopher J Stubbs ◽

Yusuf Oduntan ◽

Tyrone Keep ◽

Scott D Noble ◽

Daniel J Robertson

Keyword(s):

Bending Strength ◽

Structural Response ◽

External Loading ◽

Lodging Resistance ◽

Plant Weight ◽

Agricultural Plant ◽

Flexural Response ◽

Generalized Framework ◽

User Friendly ◽

Stalk Lodging

Abstract Background: Stalk lodging (breaking of agricultural plant stalks prior to harvest) is a multi-billion dollar a year problem. Stalk lodging occurs when bending moments induced by a combination of external loading (e.g. wind) and self-loading (e.g. the plant’s own weight) exceed the stalk bending strength of plant stems. Previous studies have investigated external loading and self-loading of plants as separate and independent phenomena. However, these two types of loading are highly interconnected and mutually dependent. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to investigate the combined effect of external loads and plant weight on the flexural response of plant stems, and (2) to provide a generalized framework for accounting for self-weight during mechanical phenotyping experiments used to predict stalk lodging resistance. Results: A mathematical methodology for properly accounting for the interconnected relationship between self-loading and external loading of plants stems is presented. The method was compared to numerous finite element models of plants stems and found to be highly accurate. The resulting interconnected set of equations from the derivation were used to produce user-friendly applications by presenting (1) simplified self-loading correction factors for common loading configurations of plants, and (2) a generalized Microsoft Excel framework that calculates the influence of self-loading on crop stems. Results indicate that ignoring the effects of self-loading when calculating stalk flexural stiffness is appropriate for large and stiff plants such as maize, bamboo, and sorghum. However, significant errors result when ignoring the effects of self-loading in smaller plants with larger relative grain sizes, such as rice (8% error) and wheat (16% error).Conclusions: Properly accounting for self-weight can be critical to determining the structural response of plant stems. Equations and tools provided herein enable researchers to properly account for the plant’s weight during mechanical phenotyping experiments used to determine stalk lodging resistance.

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Stalk Bending Strength is Strongly Associated with Maize Stalk Lodging Incidence Across Multiple Environments

10.1101/675793 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Rajandeep S. Sekhon ◽

Chase N. Joyner ◽

Arlyn J. Ackerman ◽

Christopher S. McMahan ◽

Douglas D. Cook ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bending Strength ◽

Genetic Regulation ◽

Joint Analysis ◽

Reliable Estimate ◽

Cellulose Content ◽

Lodging Resistance ◽

Puncture Resistance ◽

Failure Patterns ◽

Select Group ◽

Stalk Lodging

AbstractStalk lodging in maize results in substantial yield losses worldwide. These losses could be prevented through genetic improvement. However, breeding efforts and genetics studies are hindered by lack of a robust and economical phenotyping method for assessing stalk lodging resistance. A field-based phenotyping platform that induces failure patterns consistent with natural stalk lodging events and measures stalk bending strength in field-grown plants was recently developed. Here we examine the association between data gathered from this new phenotyping platform with counts of stalk lodging incidence on a select group of maize hybrids. For comparative purposes, we examine four additional predictive phenotypes commonly assumed to be related to stalk lodging resistance; namely, rind puncture resistance, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Historical counts of lodging incidence were gathered on 47 hybrids, grown in 98 distinct environments, spanning four years and 41 unique geographical locations in North America. Using Bayesian generalized linear mixed effects models, we show that stalk lodging incidence is associated with each of the five predictive phenotypes. Further, based on a joint analysis we demonstrate that, among the phenotypes considered, stalk bending strength measured by the new phenotyping platform is the most important predictive phenotype of naturally occurring stalk lodging incidence in maize, followed by rind puncture resistance and cellulose content. This study demonstrates that field-based measurements of stalk bending strength provide a reliable estimate of stalk lodging incidence. The stalk bending strength data acquired from the new phenotyping platform will be valuable for phenotypic selection in breeding programs and for generating mechanistic insights into the genetic regulation of stalk lodging resistance.

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