Trials · Grain

Nanoparticles prevent lodging in wheat and barley

A foliar nanoparticle application kept more wheat and barley plants standing upright compared with untreated controls.

Control pots compared with nanoparticle foliar application
Top: control. Bottom: nanoparticle (NP) foliar application.

Standing plants: control vs foliar application

Standing plants, control vs foliar application
The problem

What is lodging?

Lodging refers to the permanent displacement of wheat or barley stems from their upright position, typically caused by wind, rain, or excessive crop weight.

Why it matters

A major production problem

Lodging reduces grain yield, lowers grain quality, complicates harvesting, and increases the risk of disease.