Abstract Detail
Development and Structure Robertson, Daniel Jordan [1], Cook, Douglas [2]. A Structural Engineering Perspective on the Functional Anatomy of Maize. Top scientific academies, governments and policy makers have urged plant scientist to accelerate research progress by collaborating with experts from other disciplines. This talk will present results from an engineering collaboration that has produced a promising new approach for addressing the long standing problem of maize stalk lodging (breakage of the stalk prior to harvest).
Results from a comprehensive structural engineering analysis suggests modern maize varieties suffer from several structural weaknesses. In particular, geometric features located near the intercalary meristem can serve to increase mechanical stresses in the stalk and can cause premature stalk breakage. The collaboration has also led to development of a novel device that is able to accurately predict stalk strength without damaging the plant. Laboratory experiments demonstrate that this device predicts strength with four times the accuracy of the most widely used method of assessing stalk strength (rind penetration resistance). Recently, collected field data supports initial laboratory findings and suggest that the device may also be used to assess the strength of various plant species (e.g. sorghum).
Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - New York University - Abu Dhabi, Mechanical Engineering, P.O. BOX 129188, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, N/A, NA, UAE
2 - New York University - Abu Dhabi, Mechanical Engineering, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Keywords:
maize
Corn
biomechanics
Engineering
lodging
strength.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 29, Development and Structure I
Location: 202/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016
Time: 2:45 PM
Number: 29006
Abstract ID:659
Candidate for Awards:None | 
