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One step closer to commercial edamame production in the US

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Dicamba drift affects non-target plants and pollinators

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.

Challenges mount for common herbicide Roundup

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.

Fighting explosives pollution with plants

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.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Clove oil tested for weed control in organic Vidalia sweet onion

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.

Drones give farmers an eye in the sky to check on crop progress

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.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Drifting herbicides produce uncertain effects

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.

Herbicides may not be sole cause of declining plant diversity

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New weapons on the way to battle wicked weeds

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.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Head injury + pesticide exposure = Triple the risk of Parkinson's disease

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.

'Superweeds' linked to rising herbicide use in GM crops

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.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Glyphosate-resistant 'superweeds' may be less susceptible to diseases

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.

Old herbicides enlisted in new 'war on the weeds'

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.

Commonly used herbicides seen as threat to endangered butterflies

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.

Integrated weed management best response to herbicide resistance

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.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

A quarter of a century of sweet corn observations

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.

Biodegradable mulches successfully control weeds in container-grown arborvitae

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.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Which direction are herbicides heading?

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.

Beetles play an important role in reducing weeds

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 study pesticide pathways into the atmosphere

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.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Scientists learn how horseweed shrugs off herbicide

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.

Plant buffers can slow runoff of veterinary antibiotics

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.

Waterhemp rears its ugly head ... again

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.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Dow AgriSciences, MU researcher develop a way to control 'superweed'

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.

Can sweet corn be grown using less atrazine?

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.

Miscanthus has a fighting chance against weeds

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.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Atrazine causes prostate inflammation in male rats and delays puberty

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.

Compost filter socks improve runoff from croplands

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.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

A new way to use herbicides: To sterilize, not kill weeds

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.

Sudangrass recommended to combat Canada thistle

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.

How grass buffers keep agricultural herbicides at bay

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Sweet corn study provides large-scale picture of better fields

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.

Sugar + weed killer = potential clean energy source

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.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Organic weed control for dandelions

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.

Herbicide diversity needed to keep Roundup effective

A Purdue University study found that rotating herbicides with glyphosate can significantly reduce resistant marestail weeds, leading to a 95% decrease in viable seeds. This diversification strategy also increases crop yield potential by reducing weed populations.

Cambridge scientists cage chemical demon

Researchers at Cambridge University successfully cage individual molecules of white phosphorous, rendering it safe until release. The technique has potential to be used in cleaning up spills and handling other dangerous chemicals with greater safety.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Farmers relying on roundup lose some of its benefit

A new study reveals that farmers' overreliance on Roundup Ready crops and glyphosate-based herbicides is leading to the development of resistant weeds. Rotating crops and using different herbicides can slow down this process, extending the life of the technology.

Study explores effects of herbicide drift on white oak

A study published in HortScience found that herbicide drift is causing 'leaf tatters' on white oak trees, reducing their canopy health. The research recommends timing herbicide applications before or after leaf unfolding to prevent injury.

Bioremediation to keep atrazine from waterways

A new enzyme developed by CSIRO Australia successfully removes over 90% of atrazine from contaminated water in a trial, providing a promising solution to reduce off-farm water contamination. The enzyme works against various triazine herbicides and is expected to benefit farmers worldwide.