Improving Stalk Lodging Resistance and Informing Harvesting Decisions.

Results from the NYU-Monsanto Stalk Lodging Project suggest a new approach to the problem of stalk lodging (breakage of the stalk prior to harvest). Research conducted by the team has led to development of handheld, field deployable devices to assess lodging risk. These devices work according to principles derived from engineering beam theory and are able to predict stalk strength with four times the accuracy of rind penetration measurements (a commonly utilized method in breeding trials).  Each device can be operated by a single user and can process 120 – 200 plants an hour. Strength predictions made by the devices are not confounded by environmental effects such as planting density or variety.

The purpose of the devices is twofold.  First, they can be used in selective breeding studies to create new lodging resistant varieties. Second, they can be used by farmers to assess stalk quality and therefore inform harvesting decisions.  The team is currently looking for collaborators to use the devices in phenotyping studies and breeding trials of cereal crops.  They are likewise seeking collaborators to assist in developing forecasting and revenue models for farmers which incorporate weather forecasts, measurements of grain moisture and information regarding stalk quality obtained via the aforementioned devices.