Field Crop 2025, Vol.8, No.6, 265-273 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 269 not just about who grows faster or more, but rather about having a low center of gravity, a reasonable distribution of dry matter, and a strong root system. Some hybrid varieties exhibit this "compact" structure: both the plant and the spike position are relatively short, and more dry matter sinks to the base of the stem. Such a structure is conducive to stabilizing the center of gravity, improving lodging resistance, and the yield does not decrease (Zhou and Liang, 2024). In addition, through genome-wide association analysis and double haploid lines, some genomic regions that control these traits have been identified, which provides a direction for simultaneous improvement using genomic selection or MAS. One more point that cannot be ignored is that the combination that can resist lodging and achieve high yields should be selected from the heterosis group, especially those parent resources with strong compatibility, as the probability of successful breeding will be greater. 5 Case Studies: Application of High-Density Lodging-Resistant Maize Varieties in Different Ecological Regions 5.1 Northeast China: density adaptation performance of varieties such as ‘Zhengdan 958’ In Northeast China, when growing corn, the conditions of temperature and accumulated temperature are always an inescapable reality. Zhengdan 958 (ZD958) is popular in this area because it can still maintain a good yield performance under changes in heat and precipitation. However, this variety is not all-round - for instance, in high-latitude regions with low accumulated temperature, its grain weight and total yield are not so ideal. It performs best between 3450 ° C and 3,700 ° C. Even so, if the density is increased too high or the temperature does not cooperate, the grouting speed will slow down and the risk of lodging will also increase rapidly. Some experiments also pointed out that interplanting ZD958 with taller varieties not only reduces lodging but also does not result in yield loss - the reason is that ZD958, being short, instead serves as a natural support and helps optimize the light distribution of the stand (Ren et al., 2025). Of course, density must be combined with agricultural techniques, such as precise irrigation and farming adjustments, to bring out its advantages. 5.2 North China Plain: comparative performance of ‘Denghai 605’ under medium and high densities In North China, 'Denghai 605' (DH605) seems to be better at consuming high-density substances than ZD958. Field trials have shown that its yield remains stable at a planting density of approximately 78,000 plants per hectare, and its resistance to lodging is also strong enough. If the density is further increased, the output can still rise a little bit, but the prerequisite is that management cannot be relaxed (Liu et al., 2022). The reason why it stands steadily is mainly because of its stable plant shape, hard stems and high lignin content. In contrast, some common varieties tend to wobble at this density. However, it's not the case that the denser it is, the better. Both too dense and too sparse densities will lower the light utilization efficiency (RUE) and yield. Therefore, the density setting cannot be uniform and depends on the specific plot and the year. Growth regulators like enpaclozole, when combined with scientific management, can also further stabilize its performance. 5.3 Southwestern Hilly Areas: combined effects of high-density varieties and lodging control measures When growing corn in hilly areas, it is not only necessary to consider whether the variety is suitable, but also how the land is laid out and the density is arranged. In the high-altitude areas of southwest China, varieties like Jinyu 838 and Xingzhongyu 801 can achieve a yield of over 12.8 tons per hectare at a density of 82,500 plants per hectare (Cheng et al., 2025). This sounds quite good, but as the density increases, the problem of lodging often follows. Especially in areas with strong solar radiation, frequent rainfall and strong winds, the challenge of resisting lodging is more obvious (Figure 2) (Lei et al., 2025). To achieve stable production, it is not enough to rely solely on the resistance of the variety. The corresponding management measures must keep up, such as using some growth regulators, adjusting the farming methods or flexibly arranging the density. Selecting hybrid varieties with thick stems, deep root systems and reliable performance in the local area is the key for these regions to follow a high-density route. 6 Challenges and Optimization Strategies in Field Application 6.1 Impact of agronomic practices on lodging resistance (e.g., fertilization and planting density) High-density corn planting is not simply a matter of "more planting means more harvest". There are many details behind it that affect the risk of lodging. For instance, the management of nitrogen fertilizers is quite meticulous.
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