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Crop Lodging in Cereals: Causes, Effects and Practices for Preventing Lodging

Crop lodging ? the permanent bending or falling of stems or roots ? is a major constraint in cereal production, causing yield losses of 20?80% globally and substantial economic losses. It occurs due to environmental stresses (wind, heavy rain), agronomic practices (excess nitrogen, dense planting, waterlogging), and genetic traits (plant height, stem strength, root anchorage). Lodging is classified as stem lodging (stem bending/breakage) or root lodging (weak anchorage), each requiring distinct management. Effects include reduced photosynthesis, poor nutrient transport, lower grain quality, and increased harvesting costs. Prevention involves integrated strategies: breeding lodging-resistant varieties, balanced fertilization, proper irrigation, soil improvement, weed control, plant growth regulators, precision farming, and timely harvesting. This approach is essential for sustainable cereal production and food security under climate change.