CULM STRENGTH (lodging resistance): Culm strength is first rated after panicle emergence by gently pushing the tillers back and forth a few times. This test gives some indication of culm stiffness and resilience. Final observation at maturity is made to record standing position of plants. Plants in the plots are classified as (1) strong (no lodging), (3) moderately strong (most plants leaning), (5) intermediate (most plants moderately lodged), (7) weak (most plants nearly flat), and (9) very weak (all plants flat).