Evaluation of brace root parameters and its effect on the stiffness of maize

Abstract Plant mechanical failure (lodging) causes significant yield loss for crops such as maize. Understanding this has relied on static measurements of plant biomechanics. In study, digital image correlation techniques are used to capture dynamic motion understand the behaviour maize stalks in presence and absence brace roots, which stem-borne aerial roots known stabilize stalks. The data show that function secure stalk, limiting both deflection uplift. A finite element (FE) model is developed using ABAQUS software validate non-contact, video-based measured deflections captured by confirm linear elastic stem, following fundamental principles engineering mechanics. Good agreement found between field physics-based FE when a rotational connector connected at base quantify (i) relative contribution moment resistance provided root system, (ii) displacement any location along stalk (iii) flexural rigidity brace-stem where can be associated with various phenotypes design systems more resilient lateral loading.