The above photo depicts all too well what can happen to corn roots when growth regulator herbicides are applied over the top of corn past the 6 inch stage of growth.In this particular case glyphosate and 2,4-D were applied over the top of corn at the 6 true leaf stage.When corn is this big there is simply too much surface area for absorption of the growth regulator herbicide.With excess herbicide accumulation at active growing points the brace roots have become twisted and contorted as shown.
With the significant amount of brace root fasciation that has occurred the plant has no nodal root structure above ground to support its upright stance.As a consequence the hybrid is leaning on a 45 degree angle to the soil.This will undoubtedly make harvest more of a challenge.
The good news here is that despite the significant amount of root leaning the hybrid pollinated well and should still be able to be harvested with some extra care.The field will be slated for early harvest.
This is a close-up shot of how the brace roots have fused together.Growth regulator type herbicides can do this to roots when applied at a late stage of growth.
This is another shot showing how twisted and fused the above ground nodal root structures have become.The moral of this story is be sure to NEVER APPLY
growth regulator type herbicides to corn over the top after corn is above 6 inches in height.