Rind Thickness and Crushing Strength as a Measure of Stalk Lodging Resistance in Maize

Ten inbred lines of maize and the forty five possible single crosses among them were planted to study the usefulness of rind thickness and crushing strength in measuring the stalk lodging resistance. Stalk lodging was negatively correlated with rind thickness and stalk crushing strength. As an indication of stalk strength the use of rind thickness appeared to be more advantageous than crushing strength. However, until a staisfactory selection index is obtained, the use of both rind thickness and stalk crushing strength is necessary to obtain the most precise indication of stalk strength. It is further suggested that a crushing machine which would be less costly than the one used in this study and which would measure the stalk strength with higher accuracy and precision be devised. Also, the possibility of a penetrometer, which could be used on the standing plant in the field needs to be examined.