Rootless corn problems are usually caused by weather-related conditions that coincide with development of the permanent (or nodal) root system and various environmental factors. They include shallow planting, hot, dry surface soils, compacted soils, and loose or cloddy soils. Excessive rainfall and shallow planting may cause erosion and soil removal around the crown region that can result in rootless corn. The force of strong winds can break off secondary roots and inhibit establishment of the permanent root system. Some of these conditions that are rainfall-related we have experienced in this area. The excessive rains may cause other problems later on, but that is just a "wait and see" situation. Corn plants that exhibit rootless symptoms are often leaning or appear ready to lodge. Affected plants may only be anchored in the soil by seminal roots or by a single nodal root. This condition is generally from the 3-leaf to the 8-leaf stages of development. Before the condition develops, plants are vigorous and healthy, but they fall over after strong storms and winds because there are no sturdy root systems to support the plants. This is sometimes referred to as "floppy corn." The nodal roots develop above the seed and comprise the permanent root system of corn. The nodal roots, not the seminal roots (associated with the seed), are important in providing the water and mineral nutrients that the corn plant needs for normal growth. If corn seed is planted 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep, then the nodal (or crown) roots begin to develop at about three-fourths of an inch below the soil surface. If the seed is planted at a shallower depth (for example, one inch), the nodal roots may develop at the soil surface or just below, where they are more exposed to fluctuations in soil temperature and moisture. Nodal roots are very sensitive to high soil surface temperature 86 degrees and above. Certain herbicides (e.g., 2,4-D, Banvel) and insect feeding (e.g., corn rootworm) may also cause lodging to occur in corn plants during vegetative development. Generally these are not major causes of rootless corn problems but get blamed a lot. However, insect feeding and herbicides can be a contributing factor. A no-till field planted in wet soils can also experience poor root development. In addition to compaction-induced root problems, abnormal root development may also occur because the furrow walls may have been smeared during the planting operation, preventing good seed-to-soil contact. If conditions are too dry, the walls of the furrow become hard and act as a barrier to root development. Many no-tillers have experienced this root development problem in past years. Roots that are growing under this condition appear flattened and under extreme conditions may result in plants breaking and falling over during storms. The big question is, can rootless corn recover? The answer is yes, if after the lodging occurs, adequate rainfall will promote crown root development and plants can recover. Cultivation to throw soil around exposed roots may aid in corn's recovery. Of course, in a no-till situation, this is difficult or impossible to do. Since this corn is vulnerable to potential lodging at maturity, it should be harvested first. But that is a ways down the road.