<b>Agronomic Management of New Short Stature Corn Hybrids in Indiana</b>

<p dir="ltr">The introduction of short-stature corn (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) hybrids (1.5–2.2 m height) has prompted the need to reassess agronomic management practices traditionally developed for full-stature hybrids. Designed to enhance standability, reduce lodging risk, and improve equipment access, short-stature hybrids may offer advantages under high-input systems, particularly at elevated planting densities. However, optimal nitrogen (N) rate and plant population recommendations for these hybrids remain unclear. This study evaluated the agronomic performance of two short-stature and two full-stature corn hybrids across a range of N rates and plant populations in three site-years in Indiana. Field trials followed a factorial randomized complete block design with five replications, testing four N rates (179, 224, 269, and 314 kg N ha^-1 in 2023; 0, 100, 200, and 300 kg N ha^-1 in 2024) and three seeding rates (79,000, 94,000, and 109,000 seeds ha^-1). Measured variables included grain yield, yield components, leaf area index (LAI), plant stand, lodging, total biomass, stover N, and plant and ear height. While full-stature hybrids generally achieved higher yields, they were more prone to lodging under high N and dense planting. In contrast, short-stature hybrids maintained better lodging resistance and matched full-stature hybrids in total biomass and stover production under optimal N supply, though their yields declined more under N-limited conditions. Results highlight that hybrid selection, N availability, and planting density can interact to influence yield and physiological traits. These findings suggest that short-stature corn hybrids offer a promising option for high-input systems where lodging resistance and harvestability are critical, but their performance remains site-dependent and requires hybrid-specific management strategies.</p>