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Organic soybean producers can be competitive using little or no tillage

A new study by Penn State researchers found that organic soybean producers using no-till and reduced-tillage production methods can achieve similar yields at competitive costs compared to traditional tillage-based production. This sustainable method reduces labor, fuel, and input costs while conserving soil health and water quality.

SourcePenn State·JournalRenewable Agriculture and Food Systems·DateMar 31, 2020

Solving the riddle of strigolactone biosynthesis in plants

Researchers at Kobe University discovered the orobanchol synthase responsible for converting non-canonical strigolactone carlactonoic acid into canonical strigolactone orobanchol. This breakthrough enables artificial regulation of plant growth and weed germination, with potential applications in improving crop production and mitigating...

SourceKobe University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 30, 2020

Harrington Seed Destructor kills nearly 100 percent of US agronomic weed seeds in lab study

A recent study from the University of Illinois found that the Harrington Seed Destructor (HSD) killed nearly 100% of US agronomic weed seeds in a lab study. The HSD, an impact mill developed and widely used in Australia, was tested on common US weeds without field conditions. The study shows that even damaged seeds don

Biologists track the invasion of herbicide-resistant weeds into southwestern Ontario

Researchers identified two mechanisms driving herbicide-resistant weed emergence in Ontario: pollen and seed dispersal via wind and water, and spontaneous genetic mutations. This study highlights the need for integrated management approaches to minimize gene flow and resistances, including thorough equipment cleaning and crop rotation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019

Hiding in plain sight

Early rice growers unwittingly selected for barnyard grass, which later evolved to mimic rice plants, allowing it to escape detection and spread globally. The study sequenced the genomes of rice-mimic and non-mimic forms of the weed to understand this process.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 16, 2019

Fighting a mighty weed

Scientists are racing to find solutions as Palmer amaranth develops resistance to multiple herbicides, outcompeting crops for resources. The weed's ability to thrive and produce new generations of resistant plants poses significant threats to crop yields.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateAug 7, 2019

Illinois study advances possibility of genetic control for major agricultural weeds

Researchers at the University of Illinois identified genetic signatures that distinguish male from female waterhemp and Palmer amaranth plants, a crucial step in developing genetic control. The discovery aims to introduce genetically modified male plants that would contain a gene drive to control the damaging weeds.

More than individual landowner issue

A global team of researchers proposes a new approach to managing weeds by considering their impact on society as a whole. The team suggests that traditional methods focus too much on individual landowners and instead recommends a cross-boundary approach that prioritizes shared goals and collective interests.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 8, 2019

Natural plant defense genes provide clues to safener protection in grain sorghum

Researchers identify specific genes, including SbGSTF1 and a tandem GST gene, responsible for safener efficacy in grain sorghum. The discovery sheds light on how safeners work and could lead to broader applications against insect herbivores, chemical pollutants, or environmental stresses.

Recruiting ants to fight weeds on the farm

Researchers found that tilled fields had smaller ant nests, which consume fewer weed seeds, while no-till fields had more evenly distributed ant nests. This suggests that preserving ant colonies by reducing tillage could benefit farmers in managing weeds.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiological Control·DateDec 18, 2018

Alternatives to pesticides -- Researchers suggest popular weeds

The study reveals that botanic soil amendments with popular weeds like black nightshade and jimsonweed can effectively control nematodes. Researchers report a significant reduction in female nematode populations when treated with weed extracts, making these natural alternatives a promising eco-friendly solution.

SourceExeley Inc.·JournalJournal of Nematology·DateOct 3, 2018