(Progressive Farmer) Corn Root Flexibility Could Help Short Corn Withstand Wind

In a recent article, Progressive Farmer examined how corn root flexibility could help make these crops more resilient and adaptable. The article features research from Danforth Center scientist Erin Sparks, PhD, on what makes short-stature corn more resistant to wind damage.

Working with Bayer, Sparks and her team created a large-scale dataset to investigate how stalk and root traits contribute to lodging resistance. Using a specialized device called SMURF (Sorghum and Maize Under Rotational Force) to measure stalk stiffness, the researchers found that some short-stature hybrids had root systems that were 30% more flexible than their taller counterparts.

The findings suggest that corn root flexibility works together with reduced plant height to help plants withstand wind. Sparks compares the mechanism to earthquake engineering: shorter plants reduce the leverage created by wind, while flexible root systems act like a spring, helping plants stay upright.