Articles tagged with Weeds
A new study reveals that chemical control dominates the global fight against invasive alien plants, with widespread issues driven by inconsistent approaches and data gaps. Biological control has shown positive management outcomes, but there is still no consensus on the most effective strategy.
Experts from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture will present research-based recommendations on managing herbicide-resistant weeds. The event features presentations and practical control strategies for Palmer amaranth, goosegrass, and Italian ryegrass.
Scientists analyzed vast botanical data to understand why some exotic plants become invasive pests. They found that the timing of flowering is crucial and depends on climate conditions, with native species adapting to local environments and invasive species thriving in milder regions.
The 34th Milan No-Till Field Day will feature presentations on no-till farming strategies, agronomic practices, and cover crop management. The event also includes a trade show, guided tours of the AgResearch Center, and traditional skills sessions like blacksmithing.
Larry Steckel, a leading expert in weed science, has been elected Fellow by the Weed Science Society of America. His research program focuses on managing multiple-herbicide-resistant weeds in row crop production, providing critical data for farmers to prevent yield loss.
A study found that lignin, a polymer from plant cell walls, can improve the performance of nanoparticles with herbicide. Lignin was subjected to a green process and showed distinct properties, making it suitable for customizing different applications. The substance demonstrated potential for sustainable agricultural pest management.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison discovered waterhemp populations can survive PPO-inhibiting herbicides applied preemergence. This finding highlights the need to diversify weed management programs and understand resistance development over time for effective, long-term strategies.
Researchers create first genetic atlas to span entire Arabidopsis life cycle, capturing gene expression patterns of 400,000 cells in multiple developmental stages. The atlas provides comprehensive insights into plant biology, enabling future studies on different cell types and developmental stages.
A recent study published in the journal Weed Science shows electric weed control technologies to be equally effective as herbicides and mechanical control methods. The research found that electric weed control provides a fire hazard risk if dry crop residues are present, but operation in winter or spring poses minimal fire risk.
Researchers found that drones can suppress common reed invasions with over 99% effectiveness, using a single targeted herbicide application. This method provides convenient access and reduces risks of trampling or disturbance, while also minimizing off-target impacts and promoting native vegetation recovery.
A recent WSSA research article reveals that focusing solely on deer or invasive shrubs yields little forest health improvement. Instead, managing both threats is necessary to promote tree regeneration and plant community restoration, according to a study spanning over 10 years in Ohio.
A recent study by Cambridge University Press found that remotely piloted aerial application systems (RPAAS) using low-drift nozzles at low spray volumes can achieve weed control levels comparable to ground sprayer applications. This technology shows promise for site-specific herbicide applications in turf.
Using insecticides preventively at planting may not be the best approach due to potential negative consequences on certain weeds. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach, which uses insecticides only when necessary, can help reduce these issues.
Scientists at UC Riverside discovered a way to exploit parasitic plant hormones to induce
Researchers found that a combination of preemergence and postemergence herbicide treatments provided the greatest and most consistent weed control in early planted soybean. The study's results suggest that using both PRE and POST treatments can optimize weed control outcomes and yield in early planted soybeans.
Researchers have unlocked the genetic secrets of Palmer amaranth, a weed species that makes farming harder and less profitable. The new genome analysis provides insights into the weeds' ability to detoxify common herbicides and reveals key gene families involved in non-target-site resistance.
The new CABI book synthesises information on the invasion of natural ecosystems in Africa by alien Prosopis trees. It addresses how the problem came about, what we know about how it works, and how it can be managed at different scales to mitigate its negative impacts on biodiversity.
A recent study published in Weed Science shows that seed impact mills can reduce the number of germinable seeds by 87% compared to no-impact mill treatment. The technology damages weed seeds, making them non-viable and reducing seedbank density, which is critical for future herbicide-resistance management.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a $210,000 grant to support ongoing integrated pest management programs across the state. The grant will focus on agronomic and specialty crops, pest control in houses and schools, and improving pollinator health.
A new study found that over half of weedy rice sampled in the southeastern US has become resistant to certain herbicides, including imidazolinone and a newer class of herbicides. The researchers also discovered that individual fields have distinct compositions of weedy rice strains, making management harder.
Researchers used machine-vision technology to compare targeted sprays with traditional broadcast applications, saving an average of 28.4-62.4% on postemergence herbicides. This study demonstrates potential for lower herbicide costs and improved environmental stewardship in soybean farming.
A 30-year database analysis shows variable weather reduces the effectiveness of post-emergence herbicides against major corn and soybean weeds. Air temperature, precipitation patterns, and dry/wet conditions all impact herbicide effectiveness, making weed control more difficult for farmers.
A new University of Illinois study examines the adoption of robotic weeding technology to fight superweeds, finding that forward-looking management strategies are more effective than myopic approaches. The research suggests that farmers with a long-term perspective on weed resistance will benefit from early adoption of robots.
Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reveals that some giant ragweed populations in Wisconsin have evolved resistance to critical post-emergence herbicides. This development limits chemical options for non-GMO soybean growers, potentially forcing them to switch to GMO soybean...
A new research project aims to create a highly effective and selective biological herbicide targeting Palmer amaranth. The researchers will use synthetic biology techniques to develop RNA molecules known as Ribozymes that can influence specific gene expression, eliminating the weed through a specific infection.
A new study by Salk scientists reveals a key gene that enhances plants' zinc tolerance, allowing them to thrive in toxic conditions. The discovery enables the development of crops more resilient to soil contamination, a major goal of Salk's Harnessing Plants Initiative.
Research found that weeds in cities have significantly more mildew than those in suburbs or countryside. Urban heat islands and human activity may contribute to the phenomenon. Potted plants placed in shaded areas had more mildew than full sun, but extreme summer heat is lethal to powdery mildew.
A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children exposed to weed pollen in urban environments are at higher risk of developing respiratory health problems, including asthma. However, tree canopy can mitigate this effect to some degree.
Research by Rupesh Kariyat and Alejandro Vasquez found that frequent mowing of silverleaf nightshade boosts its survival capabilities, leading to deeper taproots, toxic berries, and faster germination rates.
A new subspecies of northern hydrilla has been discovered outside the Connecticut River, spreading rapidly across five additional waterbodies in Connecticut and one in Massachusetts. The invasive aquatic weed hinders recreational activities, forms dense canopies, and has the potential to displace native species.
Researchers at Iowa State University are developing an AI tool that can identify agricultural pests from photos, including insects and weeds. The project will use a supercomputer to train ensemble models that can analyze images quickly and provide pest-control strategies.
New research demonstrates that incorporating widgeongrass into seagrass restoration efforts can increase the portfolio of species diversity and enhance long-term success. The study found that seeding widgeongrass in the fall with minimal pre-treatment resulted in highest survival and growth rates.
Using AI software called SLEAP, scientists at Salk Institute are designing climate-saving plants with optimized root systems that can store more carbon. This approach enables researchers to analyze plant features and connect desirable traits to targetable genes, accelerating the development of carbon-capturing plants.
Researchers suggest altering crop genomes to express pigments like anthocyanins and carotenoids, making them visually distinct from weeds. This approach could enable accurate discrimination using weeding robots trained with machine learning.
A study of 8,859 samples from Danish meadows and pastures reveals a decline in plants with large seeds and thin leaves, contradicting theoretical expectations. The data suggests that nature is changing and acting unexpectedly, with fewer weeds and less grazing, despite the expected increase in heavy-seeded species.
New research shows that native wildflowers, which typically thrive after wildfires, are losing out to invasive plants due to nitrogen pollution from vehicle emissions. Invasive species outcompete native ones, leading to declining plant diversity and ecosystem imbalance.
A recent study published in Invasive Plant Science and Management identifies the most likely invasive plants to expand into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US states by 2050. These high-impact species are associated with negative impacts on ecological communities and socio-economic effects.
A new database of 928 weed species provides a unique insight into the history of agriculture and its ability to adapt to changing conditions. The data reveals trends in arable agriculture over time and how farming practices have varied in different environments, offering potential solutions for modern-day food production.
Research reveals a single major gene controlling resistance to S-metolachlor in the Stanford, Illinois resistant population of waterhemp. This finding is significant due to the difficulty in studying weed resistance to soil-applied herbicides.
A new study reveals a genetic vulnerability to the herbicide tolpyralate in nearly 50 sweet and field corn lines, with sensitivity increased by adjuvants commonly co-applied with HPPD-inhibitors. The source of the sugary enhancer gene is among the most sensitive genotypes, suggesting widespread potential.
Decades of relying on glyphosate for weed control has led to the development of resistance in multiple weed species, compromising its efficacy. However, combining post-emergence and pre-emergence herbicides can provide consistent weed control, highlighting the need for diverse management programs.
Researchers found a significant decline in glyphosate's ability to control seven major weed species, with most showing signs of adaptation within two to three years. The study suggests that using a pre-emergence herbicide can significantly improve control and reduce variability of glyphosate over time.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a single major gene controlling waterhemp's resistance to S-metolachlor, a widely used soil-applied herbicide. This finding poses a significant challenge for farmers, as it increases the risk of spread and limits effective weed management options.
Thousands of online advertisements for prohibited weeds were discovered through web scraping technology, posing a threat to Australia's environment and agriculture. The study highlights the need for regulation and public awareness to combat this growing problem.
A new study published in BioScience documents the progress of the InvaCost endeavour, which has compiled data on the economic cost of biological invasions. The database now includes over 13,553 entries and provides a clear picture of the major threats posed by invasive species to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being.
A new study demonstrates the value of citizen science in monitoring a natural enemy that fights invasive Siam weed. Citizen scientists on iNaturalist.org shared observations of the moth Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata, confirming its establishment in several countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, and West Malaysia.
Researchers created a five-part checklist to identify native and invasive common reed populations based on observable traits like stem color and fungal spots. The tool helps land managers target invasive reeds while protecting native plants.
Researchers discovered that ants sniff out diseased fungus by detecting chemicals called peptaibols, which are produced by the fungus. This finding suggests that the ants may be responding to a disease of their beneficial symbiotic partner rather than their own body, highlighting an extended defense response.
Researchers from the University of Arkansas found that organic sweetpotato growers can improve yields by selecting top-performing cultivars and using winter cover crops. The study also showed benefits for conventional production systems, as limited herbicides are available for weed management in sweetpotatoes.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a failed antibiotic that can effectively kill two of Australia's most problematic weeds, annual ryegrass and wild radish, without harming bacterial or human cells. This finding could lead to faster development of new weed killers, saving farmers billions of dollars each year.
Research reveals that prescribed burns create favorable conditions for stinknet to spread, outcompeting native plants and reducing soil health. Targeted treatments after burns can help mitigate this issue.
A recent study on buffelgrass control in Arizona's Saguaro National Park highlights the importance of long-term monitoring and surveillance. Low levels of buffelgrass can quickly expand by multiple orders of magnitude, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to manage its spread.
Researchers developed a new deep learning algorithm that restores motion-blurred images and improves crop and weed segmentation. The WRA-Net method outperformed other databases in terms of segmentation accuracy, making it a promising solution for efficient weed control.
Researchers conducted a three-year field study to determine how black swallowwort responds to common controls. The study found that annual applications of glyphosate were effective in reducing aboveground biomass, but less effective in reducing cover and stem densities.
Researchers developed a bioeconomic model to overcome the cost barrier of high-density planting for weed suppression. The study found distinct physiological differences in crops that impact the balance needed to achieve a cost-neutral result.
A national US study found a 245% increase in child marijuana abuse and a decline in alcohol abuse over the past 20 years. The study tracked intentional misuse and abuse reported to the National Poison Data System from 2000 to 2020, revealing over 338,000 instances of child abuse or misuse.
Researchers have found that ambrosia beetles actively influence the composition of their fungal gardens, shifting towards food fungi. The beetles use specific bacteria to suppress weed fungi growth, and their social behavior creates a close symbiosis with fungi.
A new study found that cover crops grown concurrently with cash crops can effectively reduce weed biomass in California orchards. The researchers discovered that planting cover crops early in the growing season, when adequate moisture is available, results in predictable and abundant plant cover.
The study focuses on reducing insects and pathogens that threaten crops, with manure serving as a potential solution. Researchers will investigate the most effective ways to apply manure to improve soil health and plant resistance to insect pests.
A five-year field study found that indaziflam reduces downy brome abundance and enables native perennial grass cover. Indaziflam delivered longer-term benefits compared to imazapic, controlling downy brome across the entire study period.