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Study documents the challenges of herbicide-resistant annual bluegrass in turf

Researchers have identified 31 populations of herbicide-resistant annual bluegrass in Australia, highlighting the narrowing options for effective control. The weed has developed resistance to multiple herbicides, including propyzamide and rimsulfuron, with levels of resistance ranging from two-fold to 56-fold.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Science·DateJun 5, 2020

Global warming will lift agriculture weed threat

Climate change may lead to a decrease in areas suitable for most Invasive Weed Species globally, but not in highly productive agricultural regions like Europe, US and Australia. Existing eradication efforts are inadequate to counter the growing threat of invasive weeds.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEcological Indicators·DateJun 2, 2020

Satellite technology to help tackle invasive aquatic weeds

A new study led by the University of Stirling will use satellite technology to monitor invasive aquatic weeds in neglected water bodies in India. The project aims to detect regrowth early and prevent damage to fisheries, drinking water sources, and agricultural irrigation.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateMay 13, 2020
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.

How atrazine regulations have influenced the environment

New research finds that atrazine regulations have been successful in reducing overall concentration of atrazine in water. However, the rate of breakdown to less toxic compound DEA is influenced by soil microbes and climate. The study also shows that dry areas without tile drainage lead to faster breakdown of atrazine.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateApr 22, 2020

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
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.

Weedy rice is unintended legacy of Green Revolution

A new study reveals the extent to which high-yielding rice varieties favored in the Green Revolution have evolved into weedy populations worldwide, outcompeting cultivated varieties. The scientists found that over a third of Asian weed strains originated from elite cultivars developed during this era.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 25, 2020

Research shows most bird feed contains troublesome weed seeds

A two-year study found that 96% of bird feed mixes contained seeds from pigweed species weeds, which can represent a significant threat to agriculture. Researchers also discovered resistance to glyphosate in Palmer amaranth and waterhemp seeds in some mixes.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·DateMar 20, 2020

Roadmap to a win-win against invasive weeds

A new framework guides the management of terrestrial invasive species in South Africa, prioritizing targets in control efforts. The approach combines big data and citizen science, focusing on poorer municipalities most impacted by invasive weeds.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalEcosystem Services·DateFeb 27, 2020
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.

Count me out of counting seeds

A team of researchers used a computerized particle analyzer to count weed seeds with high accuracy. The technology can process 2,000-2,500 seeds in just three minutes, significantly reducing the time required for seed counting.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgricultural & Environmental Letters·DateFeb 19, 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

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateJan 28, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Overuse of herbicides costing UK economy £400 million per year

The UK is losing 0.82 million tonnes of wheat yield each year due to herbicide-resistant black-grass, with potential implications for national food security. Researchers estimate that the worst-case scenario could result in an annual cost of £1 billion and a wheat yield loss of 3.4 million tonnes per year.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 23, 2019

Organic crop practices affect long-term soil health

The study found that specific components of soil health, such as the abundance and activity of soil animals, affect crop productivity. Measurements of soil invertebrates can inform assessments of soil health. The researchers also discovered that optimizing biotic processes in soil can optimize crop production.

SourceCornell University·DateDec 20, 2019

Studies show integrated strategies work best for buffelgrass control

A literature review of 229 studies found that multiple techniques and follow-up treatments are most effective in controlling buffelgrass. The invasive weed can outcompete native species by accessing deeper water and nutrients, highlighting the need for restoration of drought-tolerant native species.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·DateDec 11, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

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

Turning up the heat for weed control

Studies examine the effects of temperature on itchgrass and divine nightshade seeds in sugarcane fields. Higher temperatures can kill weeds, but varying conditions are needed for optimal control, considering seed coat structure and soil insulation.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 25, 2019

Palmer amaranth's molecular secrets reveal troubling potential

Researchers have discovered that Palmer amaranth has evolved multiple mutations to resist herbicides, including the gly-210 deletion and an arginine substitution, allowing it to evade control methods. The plant appears to be naturally tolerant to post-emergence PPO-inhibitor application.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateSep 16, 2019
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 modelling tool to rapidly predict weed spread risk

A new statistical modeling tool uses features of a weed species and geography to predict high-risk areas where weeds are likely to spread first. Land management authorities can use the tool to identify at-risk areas that require careful monitoring, improving early detection and effective containment of invasive weeds.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateSep 16, 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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Tarnished plant bug management strategies for Mid-Atlantic cotton

Researchers Sally Taylor and Seth Dorman recommend scouting, threshold-based management, and resistance management strategies to effectively manage tarnished plant bugs in Mid-Atlantic cotton. They emphasize the importance of avoiding planting nearby hosts and using certain varieties to minimize intensive management.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateAug 13, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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

Studies show the influence of environment on the evolution of weeds

Climate change and elevated CO2 levels contribute to the evolution of weeds, including increased competitive abilities and herbicide resistance. Research found that drought and elevated CO2 cause genetic and phenotypic changes in individual weed populations.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·DateJul 22, 2019
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateJul 17, 2019

Research shows temperature, glyphosate increase probability for dicamba volatility

Studies show that both temperature and glyphosate increase dicamba volatility, leading to increased off-target movement and damage to crops. Researchers recommend avoiding mixing glyphosate with low-volatile dicamba formulations, such as XtendiMax, to minimize the risk of injury to non-dicamba-tolerant plants.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·JournalWeed Technology·DateJun 13, 2019

Superweed resists another class of herbicides, study finds

Waterhemp, a broadleaf weed common in corn and soybean fields, has become resistant to multiple herbicides, including Group 15s. Scientists have confirmed the resistance in a new study from the University of Illinois, which highlights the need for farmers to rethink long-term management strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateJun 11, 2019

New mutations for herbicide resistance rarer than expected, study finds

Researchers found no herbicide-resistant mutants among over 70 million grain amaranth seeds, indicating a very low mutation rate. The study suggests that low-level herbicide application does not contribute to the onset of new mutations conferring resistance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalWeed Science·DateMay 28, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

CRISPRed wheat helps farmers control weeds

Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences develop CRISPRed wheat with tolerance to sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, and aryloxyphenoxy propionate-type herbicides. The trait offers low-risk weed control for millions of multi-cropping farmers in China.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 15, 2019

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

Autonomous weed control via smart robots

Researchers have developed a drone-based system to spot treat weeds, reducing the risk of pesticide drift. The system uses AI-powered imaging and neural networks to identify weeds and deliver targeted pesticides.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 27, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Southern Weed Science Society honors Steckel

Larry Steckel, a UTIA professor, received the Outstanding Educator Award for his contributions to weed science education. He developed training modules addressing dicamba herbicide drift issues, leading to significant reductions in damaged crop acres in Tennessee.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateMar 21, 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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMar 21, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

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

Study explains waterhemp's metabolic resistance to topramezone

A new study reveals waterhemp's unique detoxification pathway for topramezone, making chemical control difficult. The finding suggests that the weed uses a different mechanism than corn, rendering current herbicides ineffective.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateNov 27, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Texas A&M leads $5.7 million research project to attack annual bluegrass

A team of scientists will investigate solutions to limit the impact of annual bluegrass on turf systems, evaluating cultural practices and non-chemical management options. The project aims to improve profitability and social benefits for sod production farms, golf courses, athletic fields, and residential turf systems.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateOct 29, 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
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Researchers confirm glyphosate resistance in junglerice

Researchers confirm glyphosate resistance in junglerice, a weedy grass affecting rice, corn, and vegetable crops. Resistance mechanisms identified as target-site mutation and reduced translocation of glyphosate, emphasizing the importance of integrated control methods.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Science·DateSep 18, 2018