By Jamie Martin
According to researchers at Clemson University, a new national research project is focused on developing stronger corn plants that are less likely to bend or break before harvest, a problem that costs farmers billions of dollars each year.
Lodging occurs when corn plants bend, snap or fall before harvest. These fallen plants can be difficult to harvest and often lead to lower yields, reduced grain quality, and economic losses for producers. Globally, lodging is responsible for billions of dollars in lost corn production each year.
To better understand this issue, scientists from multiple universities have launched a collaborative research effort that brings together specialists in plant genetics, engineering, statistics, and artificial intelligence. The goal is to discover why some corn plants remain standing under stress while others fail.
“It’s almost like reverse engineering the strong plant versus the weak plant back to the DNA, so we can identify the genetic and biological factors that allow a plant to remain standing,” said Sekhon, an associate professor in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry.
The project will investigate the complete pathway from plant DNA to physical performance in the field. Researchers hope this approach will reveal the biological mechanisms responsible for stalk strength and lodging resistance.
Scientists explain that lodging is a complex trait influenced by many genes and environmental interactions. Because there is no single genetic factor responsible, understanding stalk strength requires studying multiple layers of plant biology at the same time.
During the project, researchers will evaluate nearly 1,000 corn inbred lines grown under field conditions. These plants will represent a wide range of lodging histories, allowing scientists to compare strong and weak stalk characteristics.
Field measurements will include stalk diameter, rigidity, rind thickness, and overall resistance to breakage. Researchers will also examine internal plant structures and monitor changes in chemistry throughout the growing season.
Specialized studies in metabolomics and cell-wall chemistry will help identify compounds and structural features that contribute to stronger stalks. Scientists believe these findings could uncover valuable indicators of lodging resistance.
“Here we have an entire spectrum of things that can occur,” said Christopher McMahan, professor and assistant director for graduate studies at the Clemson University School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. “We’re trying to understand what’s causing that difference.”
Large volumes of biological and field data will be analyzed using advanced statistical and machine-learning models. These analytical tools will help identify patterns that may not be visible through traditional research methods.
Researchers are also developing automated technologies capable of measuring stalk strength during harvest. Such systems could dramatically increase the number of plants evaluated, helping accelerate breeding progress and improve research efficiency.
One of the project's primary objectives is to identify approximately 500 genetic markers linked to stronger stalks. These markers could serve as valuable tools for plant breeders looking to develop corn varieties with improved lodging resistance.
The information generated through this work could help breeders make more informed selection decisions and reduce the time required to develop improved hybrids.
Beyond corn, the research could establish a new framework for studying complex agricultural traits in many crops. The methodologies and technologies developed may be adapted to investigate plant strength, yield stability, and resilience across different species.
The project highlights the growing role of data science and artificial intelligence in agriculture. By combining biological knowledge with advanced analytics, scientists can better understand complex crop traits and develop practical solutions for farmers.
For producers, long-term benefits could be significant. Stronger stalks can improve harvest efficiency, reduce yield losses, and provide greater confidence during periods of severe weather and environmental stress.
As climate challenges continue to affect agricultural production, improving crop resilience is becoming increasingly important. Researchers believe the knowledge gained from this project could help support more consistent yields and sustainable food production.
Ultimately, the study aims to deliver practical breeding tools that transform scientific discoveries into real-world benefits. By helping create stronger, lodging-resistant corn varieties, the research could contribute to more reliable harvests and greater profitability for corn growers around the world.
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Categories: National