Articles tagged with Herbicides
A new technique using 'smokewater' has been found to disrupt dormancy in blackgrass seeds, making them vulnerable to herbicides. The method could help reduce crop losses due to weed growth, which is expected to increase with climate change.
Researchers found that more than 1.2 million acres of U.S. federal and tribal wildlands were sprayed with about 200 tons of herbicide in 2010, equivalent to 930,630 football fields. Glyphosate was the most commonly used active ingredient, posing a higher risk to native plants.
A new study by the University of Illinois reveals that Palmer amaranth populations are resistant to PPO-inhibiting herbicides due to a genetic mutation involving the deletion of three nucleotides. This mutation is expected to spread rapidly, making it essential for farmers to switch to alternative herbicides.
Researchers successfully killed and removed invasive plants using specific herbicides during late winter, allowing native plant species to regrow in southwestern Ohio. This approach has shown positive results in controlling aggressive invasive species such as Wintercreeper, English ivy, and lesser periwinkle.
A recent University of Illinois study found that waterhemp populations in the Midwest are resistant to multiple classes of herbicides, including HPPD-inhibitors and ALS-inhibitors. Researchers recommend using integrated pest management strategies, such as mechanical soil preparation and seed control, to reduce resistance.
PPO herbicides show improved performance when applied at noon, outperforming early morning and late evening applications by 15-20% and 10%, respectively. This timing affects weed control in glyphosate-tolerant soybeans.
Researchers at the John Innes Centre have identified DNA gyrase as a key enzyme in plants that can be targeted for the development of new, more effective herbicides. This discovery holds promise for reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance and ensuring the safety of farmers and gardeners.
A University of Illinois study explores effective weed management in commercial edamame production, revealing that integrated tactics and specific herbicide combinations can increase marketable pod yield. Gardensoy 43 cultivar showed promise as a competitive option, reducing weed biomass by 29 percent.
Research at Penn State found that dicamba drift reduces flowering in both alfalfa and common boneset plant species. Herbicide exposure also decreases insect visitation to damaged flowers, particularly honeybees and syrphid flies. The study suggests widespread damage from these herbicides may adversely affect pollinator communities.
The WHO classified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen, but a German review found it unlikely to pose a carcinogenic risk. Roundup's diminishing effectiveness has led to the development of resistance by weeds, prompting farmers to seek alternative methods and products.
A Baylor University study reveals that exposure to atrazine, a common herbicide, does not cause long-term harm to aquatic plants. The researchers found that most biological response variables affected by atrazine recovered after the dosing ceased, with only slight effects on algae and plant life.
Biologists at the University of York have found a key plant enzyme that reacts with TNT, generating toxic compounds. The discovery raises hope for a new, sustainable method to remediate explosives-contaminated land and water.
A new nanobiosensor can detect biomarkers for multiple sclerosis and other nervous system diseases. By analyzing the interaction between a patient's cerebrospinal fluid and the device, doctors can rule out or confirm diagnoses with greater confidence.
Farmers using multiple herbicides per application (83 times less likely to have resistance) and rotating herbicide mixing are the most effective tools in managing herbicide resistance. Management factors, not environmental or landscape variables, play a crucial role in preventing resistance.
Researchers found that glyphosate-resistant kochia has duplicated several EPSPS copies on a single chromosome, enabling it to survive higher doses of the herbicide. This increase in gene copies has created a nonsustainable way of controlling kochia with glyphosate-only programs.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that safeners activate a defense
Researchers found that clove oil herbicide did not consistently improve weed control in organic Vidalia sweet onions. The study concluded that the herbicide was not effective enough to justify its expense due to issues with maintaining an emulsion and affecting onion yield.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are using drones to take aerial pictures of crops, allowing them to detect areas of stress and nutrient deficiencies more efficiently. The drones equipped with multispectral cameras can identify problem areas, enabling farmers to target scouting in those specific areas and optimize crop yields.
Researchers report Palmer amaranth is invading Illinois fields, reducing soybean yields by 78% and corn yields by 91%. The plant's rapid growth and resistance to common herbicides make control challenging. Illinois farmers must take action before the weed takes over.
Researchers found that Air Force reservists exposed to dioxin-contaminated aircraft used to spray Agent Orange during the Vietnam War were at higher risk than previously acknowledged. The study's findings contrast with current Air Force and VA policies, highlighting a previously unrecognized source of exposure.
Research on drifting herbicides reveals mixed effects, including positive, neutral, and negative impacts on neighboring fields and farms. Grasses dominated field edge test sites, while herbicide drift was associated with declines in three species of herbivores.
Researchers found that rare and common plant species had similar tolerances to widely used herbicides, suggesting a lack of persistent effects on plant communities. The study highlights the need for alternative strategies, such as preserving farmland habitats, in plant conservation efforts.
The journal retracted a paper by Séralini et al. due to inconclusive data, but faced questions about the decision-making process and COPE guidelines. Editor-in-Chief A. Wallace Hayes responds to concerns, stating that Professor Goodman's involvement was minimal and not pressured upon him.
New research finds that early-life exposure to atrazine increases frog mortality when challenged with a chytrid fungus, a pathogen implicated in worldwide amphibian declines. This study suggests that reducing early-life exposure to atrazine could reduce the risk of mortality from fungal disease in frogs.
Researchers found that modifying rice crops to resist herbicide triggers gives weedy neighbors a fitness boost, enabling them to grow faster and produce more offspring. The study suggests this method could be used to enhance crop yields, but raises concerns about potential problems with weedy relatives.
Experts warn of spreading herbicide-resistant weed species, including Palmer amaranth pigweed, threatening farmers' crop yields. New herbicides with alternative modes of action and residual activity are being developed to help manage resistant weeds.
A new study has found that crabgrass produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby staple crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans. The research, published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, suggests that crabgrass is not just a nuisance but also a significant cause of crop loss on farms.
A meta-analysis of over 100 studies found exposure to pesticides, weed killers, and solvents is associated with a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research suggests that the risk increases in a dose-response manner as length of exposure to these chemicals increases.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology reveals a significant link between head injuries and pesticide exposure to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. People with Parkinson's were found to be three times more likely to have had a head injury and exposure to paraquat, a common herbicide.
A study by Washington State University finds that genetically modified crops have led to a 25% increase in herbicide use, driven by the emergence of glyphosate-resistant weeds. The annual herbicide usage has grown from 1.5 million pounds in 1999 to 90 million pounds in 2011.
Researchers link common herbicide atrazine to increased risk of choanal atresia, a congenital abnormality affecting breathing. Mothers living in Texas counties with high atrazine application levels are 80% more likely to have children with the condition.
A Purdue University study found that soil microbes can affect how glyphosate affects plants, potentially making resistant weeds more resistant to disease pressure. This discovery challenges existing understanding of glyphosate resistance and highlights the importance of considering soil microbes in weed management.
The use of old herbicides is increasing due to emerging weed resistance, prompting companies to develop new crop varieties with resistance to these chemicals. This shift aims to maintain control over weeds while reducing the reliance on chemical herbicides.
A recent study found that three commonly used herbicides can dramatically reduce butterfly populations. Researchers tested triclopyr, sethoxydim and imazapyr on butterfly larvae and found a significant drop in adult numbers. The findings have implications for conservation efforts to protect endangered species like the Lange's metalmark.
Increased use of glyphosate-type herbicides has led to a dramatic increase in genetically-resistant weeds, according to Penn State researchers. Integrated weed management programs, including planting cover crops and using mechanical control methods, can lower herbicide use by up to 94% while maintaining profit margins.
A quarter century of sweet corn observations revealed shifts in endosperm types and reactions to post-emergence herbicides. Disease-resistant hybrids have increased in availability, allowing breeders to focus on improving resistance without sacrificing seed sales.
The review found consistent patterns of reproductive dysfunction in animals exposed to atrazine, with effects observed in amphibians, fish, reptiles, and mammals. Atrazine has been shown to disrupt hormone function and sexual development, leading to feminization of male gonads in many species.
A new study by Italian scientists shows that biodegradable mulches can effectively control weeds in container-grown arborvitae, with results comparable to chemical herbicides. The researchers found no impact on substrate temperature or water content, and noted that transpiration is the main component of water loss from these plants.
A team of researchers led by Dean Riechers proposes using tank-mixing auxinic herbicides with glyphosate as a short-term solution to combat growing herbicide resistance. The approach aims to broaden the spectrum and postemergence weed control, particularly in corn, soybean, and cotton crops.
Researchers found that ground beetles significantly reduce grass weed populations in UK farmland, improving agricultural productivity. By controlling weeds, ground beetles can help farmers reduce herbicide use and increase crop yields.
Researchers discovered herbicide volatilization consistently results in losses exceeding those from surface runoff, with a significant impact on groundwater contamination. The study highlights the importance of considering soil moisture levels and air temperatures in models of pesticide volatilization.
Researchers found that resistant horseweed has a pump in the tonoplast membrane that actively moves glyphosate into the vacuole, making it unavailable for translocation. Sensitive plants can't keep up with this rapid shuttle of glyphosate, allowing them to be killed by the herbicide.
Researchers found that plant buffers can slow down the runoff of veterinary antibiotics in surface water, reducing transport by 58-72% for herbicides and 70% for antibiotics. The use of certain species like hybrid poplar can further enhance degradation of deposited antibiotics.
Researchers confirm waterhemp's first evolution of resistance to HPPD-inhibiting herbicides, requiring a more integrated approach to management. The development of new options and changing practices are needed to combat the increasing threat of multiple-herbicide resistant weed populations.
Two bacterial enzymes, AAD-1 and AAD-12, have been identified as conferring robust resistance to 2,4-D in corn and soybeans. The discovery may provide a solution to the spread of herbicide-resistant weeds, allowing growers an alternative to glyphosate.
Researchers at Dow AgroSciences and the University of Missouri have engineered soybean plants that can tolerate an alternative herbicide called 2,4-D, which may help slow the spread of superweeds. This new approach could reduce the need for multiple herbicides and lead to cost savings for farmers and consumers.
A recent University of Illinois study shows that sweet corn can be grown successfully with reduced atrazine use, but may not often be able to do so. The study found that weed control falls apart quickly when atrazine is removed, increasing the risk of yield losses.
Research found that several herbicides used on corn are safe for Miscanthus x giganteus, a potential bioenergy feedstock. This discovery offers growers hope in managing weeds without harming the crop's yield and growth.
Researchers found cardiac damage in mice exposed to low-dose sarin, including left ventricular dilation and prolonged ventricular repolarization. The study suggests a potential link between low-dose chemical warfare agent exposure and long-lasting heart problems.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to low doses of atrazine causes prostate inflammation and delays puberty in male rats. The incidence of prostate inflammation increased significantly with the strength of the doses, while puberty was also delayed in animals exposed to atrazine.
A two-year field study found that compost filter socks reduced sediment concentration by 49% in runoff from tilled fields, but had no effect on no-till fields. The filter socks also decreased herbicide alachlor and glyphosate concentrations by 18% and 5%, respectively.
A USGS study reveals that atrazine concentrations in agricultural streams and rivers can cause reduced reproduction and spawning in fish. Fathead minnows exposed to atrazine showed lower total egg production and reproductive tissue abnormalities.
A new study suggests using herbicides to sterilize weedy grasses instead of killing them may be a more economical and environmentally sound strategy. Growth regulator herbicides, when applied at the right growth stage, can reduce weed seed production without harming desirable perennial grasses.
Atrazine is the single most widely used herbicide in sweet corn, accounting for only 9% of total weed management costs. The study found that phasing out atrazine would burden growers with particularly weedy fields and early season crop production.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found Sudangrass to be an effective solution for controlling Canada thistle, with a 95% control rate in test plots. The smother crop can be mowed and left as a surface mulch or grazed, making it suitable for both organic and conventional farmers.
Research found that grass and tree buffer strips decrease surface water runoff while increasing subsurface infiltration, resulting in an overall loss of herbicides before reaching bodies of water. Total export of herbicides was reduced through the use of these barriers.
Scientists found that prior herbicide use, rather than irrigation, is crucial to a herbicide's effectiveness and environmental impact. The study revealed that herbicides like atrazine degrade faster in fields with previous applications, leading to reduced weed control and deeper soil penetration.
A three-year data analysis of 175 fields in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota revealed the most troublesome weeds and their relationships with sweet corn yield. The study identified factors such as interrow cultivation, planting dates, and water supply as key determinants of crop success.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a fuel cell that extracts electrons from glucose and other carbohydrates, utilizing a common weed killer as a catalyst. The technology has shown a 29% conversion rate, paving the way for more efficient and commercially viable applications.
Researchers found that mulched maple and oak leaves significantly reduced common dandelion populations by up to 80% with two applications. The study also showed increased spring green-up rates, indicating a potential for improved lawn health.