Method and means for testing the strength of plant stalks

A device is provided for testing the strength of plant stalks. The device includes a frame adapted to be secured to a tractor or combine. An upright member is pivotally attached to the frame and has an arm extending substantially horizontally therefrom. A spring is connected between the upright member and the frame so as to provide biasing against the pivotal movement of the upright member and attached arm. In operation, as the tractor or combine moves along a row of plants, the arm engages each plant which bends over and breaks if the stalk is not sufficiently strong to resist the force of the forwardly moving arm. If the stalk is sufficiently strong, the stalk will bend but not break or the arm will pivot rearwardly until it passes by the stalk and then is automatically returned to its initial position.