Bowed Cornstalks in Indiana: Root Issues or Severe Weather?

Indiana farmers are dealing with bowed cornstalks after a late-season windstorm knocked over plants, causing lodged and bowed plants at harvest. The cause of the lodging is crucial to diagnose in order to prevent issues next season.

Danny Greene, a certified crop adviser, suggests that bowed or goosenecked corn usually results when the plant loses its anchoring in the soil, falls over and then tries to straighten itself back up. This can be caused by corn rootworm feeding on the roots or severe weather conditions such as saturated soils followed by strong winds.

Brian Overstreet adds that this type of lodging often means there was some type of root issue earlier in the year. He notes that while rootworm pressure has dwindled over the past 20 years, pockets of damage still exist and recommends a rootworm insecticide program or using one of the Bt versions of control.

Purdue Extension corn specialist Dan Quinn emphasizes the importance of accurately determining the cause of the bowed stalk problem. He suggests digging and washing roots when adult corn rootworm beetles are first observed, while root-feeding injury is still fresh and visible, to provide the best opportunity to assess and diagnose rootworm damage.

Hoegemeyer Hybrids' Dan Ritter notes that leaning can be due to weak roots or high winds and loose soil from excessive rain. He also mentions that willowy stalks are sometimes a result of hybrid selection with excellent brittle snap scores.