Windbreak effects may affect short‐stature and tall‐stature corn comparisons

Abstract Short‐stature corn (SSC) may improve crop standability while maintaining yield potential relative to conventional tall‐stature corn (TSC). Modern SSCs range from 0.6 to 1.6 m shorter than TSC counterparts. Researchers compare hybrid types utilizing small borders to account for shading effects. But borders should account not only for shading but also for windbreak effects. With TSC adjacent to SSC, wind speeds over SSC could be reduced at distances of 25–30 times the SSC versus TSC height differential (∆H), based on estimates from windbreak literature; for height differentials of 0.6 m, wind speeds might be reduced 15–18 m leeward of the TSC. Lower wind speeds over SSC could reduce plant lodging and affect parameters including yield. These effects, if unaccounted, could inflate research results in favor of SSC over TSC. Researchers certainly should border plots by mitigating for not only shade but also windbreak effects. Core Ideas Short‐stature corn hybrids may improve standability and maintain yields. To compare adjacent short‐stature corn (SSC) and tall‐stature corn (TSC), use borders to account for shade and windbreak effects. Disregarding windbreak effects may inflate SSC yields and favor SSC over TSC. Including sufficient design and methodology information is necessary so readers can replicate experiments. This calls for research on windbreak effects in annual crops, like corn, with small ∆H values.