Comparative performance of short‐stature and traditional corn hybrids in Wisconsin: Canopy development, weed suppression, and yield

Abstract

Short‐stature corn ( Zea mays L.) hybrids were introduced to the market in 2023 to improve crop standability and reduce lodging risk under strong wind conditions. However, limited information is available regarding their agronomic performance relative to traditional hybrids, particularly with respect to plant height development, canopy formation, light interception, and late season weed suppression. A field experiment was conducted in 2024 at two separate fields at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station (Arlington‐2024A and Arlington‐2024B, Arlington, WI) to compare canopy height development, light interception, late‐season weed infestation, and grain yield between short‐stature and traditional corn hybrids. All hybrids reached 50% of maximum canopy height development at approximately the V12 stage at Arlington‐2024A and the V10 stage at Arlington‐2024B. Except for PR108‐20SSC, short‐stature hybrids exhibited 14%–16% lower maximum plant height compared with traditional hybrids. Despite these differences in plant height, hybrids did not differ in maximum canopy light interception or in the growth stage required to reach 50% light interception. Similarly, end‐of‐season weed biomass did not differ among hybrids. Grain yield varied among hybrids at both sites; however, no differences were observed between hybrid types at Arlington‐2024A, whereas traditional hybrids produced 9.2% greater yield than short‐stature hybrids at Arlington‐2024B. Overall, although short‐stature hybrids exhibited reduced maximum canopy height, their canopy light interception dynamics and weed suppression were comparable to those of traditional hybrids in this study. These findings indicate that short‐stature corn hybrids can maintain similar canopy function and weed competitive ability while offering potential operational advantages for corn production systems.