EFFECT OF RYE SHADING ON CORN ROOTS AND SHOOTS IN TRADITIONAL AND SHORT STATURE CORN

This project will combine expertise in cover crop management, plant pathology, and plant mechanics to produce accurate results and guidance in the physiological effects of cover crops on corn, as well as the potential for short-stature corn production in the Mid-Atlantic.Our long-term goal is to improve management of corn to limit the impacts of disease pressure and lodging following late summer storm events. This includes examining the role cover crop shading may have in corn phenology, disease response, and plant mechanics and to determine how short stature corn may fit into the Mid-Atlantic rotation.Our specific Research and Extension objectives are to:Measure the effects of rye termination timing on shading, disease incidence, and lodging susceptibility in traditional stature "tall" corn (research).Measure the effects of rye termination timing on shading, disease incidence, and lodging susceptibility in short stature corn (research).Develop and deliver extension programming to increase awareness of the interactions between cover crops and early season corn growth and how corn varieties may affect lodging and management techniques (extension).