Increasing Maize Resistance to Lodging and Frost

Nitrogen

Nitrogen supply has to be balanced to ensure good plant growth without increasing lodging risks and delaying maturity. The plant develops adventitious roots, which serve to improve the anchorage and lodging resistance of the plant.

Nitrogen overuse or late application can increase susceptibility to lodging and this should be taken into account when considering the agronomic management of the crop. Best practice is to adjust rates based upon local N-responses to local growing practices, taking into account nitrogen available from previous crop residues and/or manures.

Potassium

Potassium helps minimize the frost damages by acclimatizing the cells to intracellular frost formation which reduces maize cell rupture. Modern hybrid varieties are relatively cold tolerant. However, while frosts will damage young plants, because the growing point is still below the soil surface until crops reach the V5 stage (about 25-30cm in height), plant loss is uncommon. Removal or death of leaf tissue above the growing point has only a small effect on growth and yield at these early stages.

If a significant frost event occurs before maize grain fill is complete, maize yield quality could be affected. A less intensive frost could kill leaves but not the stalk or ear shank. When only a portion of the leaves are killed, those not killed can continue to function and contribute to grain yield if good growing conditions follow.