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Try togetherness: Study promotes cooperative weed management to curb herbicide resistance

Scientists at the University of Illinois and USDA's Agricultural Research Service promote cooperative weed management as a highly effective solution to curb herbicide resistance. By working together and sharing best practices, farmers can delay the evolution and spread of resistance, buying time for up to two decades.

What happens if we run out?

A large-scale study is proposed to test the efficacy of strategies for preventing pesticide resistance in critical weed and insect species. The authors recommend providing resources for landscape-level studies and incentives for farmers to participate, highlighting the need for a multi-faceted approach to addressing this pressing issue.

The true 'value' of biodiversity

A study published in Scientific Reports found that focusing solely on a species' rarity or economic impact can lead to an underestimation of its true value. Considering multiple values, such as cultural significance and economic importance, reveals that every species plays a crucial role in society.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 3, 2018

Weeds take over kelp in high CO2 oceans

New research from the University of Adelaide shows that weedy marine plants will dominate coastal habitats in high CO2 conditions, replacing kelp forests that support higher biodiversity. Small weedlike species will fuel their growth due to carbon emissions, allowing them to outcompete and outgrow kelps.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEcology·DateMay 3, 2018

Ragweed casts shade on soy production

Scientists found that common ragweed can drastically reduce soybean yield by 76% in some cases, highlighting its potential threat to soybean production. The study suggests that early detection of weed growth is crucial to predict crop yield losses and inform pesticide application decisions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 28, 2018

Weeds out of control

A nationwide study found that black-grass populations in England have evolved resistance to herbicides, leading to increased costs and lower crop yields. The research team recommends adopting weed-management strategies that rely less on chemicals.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 12, 2018

Glyphosate renewal approved

The European Union has approved the renewal of glyphosate for five years, recognizing its importance in maintaining food production and affordability. However, experts emphasize the need to balance this decision with reducing pesticide use and finding alternative weed control methods.

Combatting weeds with lasers

Scientists at the University of Bonn have created a robotic system that uses short laser pulses to weaken weed vitality, eliminating the need for herbicides. The innovative technology has the potential to transform the field of sustainable agriculture.

New way to detect Palmer amaranth in contaminated seedlots

A new assay developed by University of Illinois researchers can identify Palmer amaranth DNA in mixed seed samples, overcoming slow and unreliable testing methods. The low-cost technique uses quantitative PCR to detect genetic variations unique to Palmer, enabling farmers to certify their product as Palmer-free.

Cover, crimp, cultivate?

Researchers explored three organic methods to suppress weeds: using cover crops instead of disks, turning them under, or flatening with a crimper. While some found cover crops to be effective in reducing weeds, the team also noted that unexpected weather conditions and soil fertility issues impacted results.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateApr 5, 2017

Domesticated rice goes rogue

A recent study has discovered the ancestry of Asian rice and its weedy cousins, revealing that rice has a natural tendency towards becoming weeds. The research found that both strains evolved from different crop varieties, with relatively few changes needed to turn the crop plant into a weed.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 3, 2017

Magic cover crop carpet?

Researchers found that letting cover crops grow longer produces the best results in suppressing weeds while also retaining soil moisture. The optimal timing is crucial, as over-flattening can lead to unwanted seed production, while under-flattening may regrow the cover crop.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 1, 2017

Pest control: Wicked weeds may be agricultural angels

A study by Cornell University researchers suggests that certain weeds, like milkweed, can be beneficial to crops and the environment. By incorporating these weeds into agricultural systems, farmers may reduce their reliance on pesticides and herbicides, while also supporting biodiversity and pollinator health.

SourceCornell University·JournalWeed Science·DateNov 11, 2016

Fighting the water army of fake reviewers

Researchers have developed an algorithm to detect fake reviews on ecommerce sites, analyzing behavior and content features to identify deceptive posters. The method outperforms earlier detection algorithms, providing a more accurate picture of product ratings.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Services Operations and Informatics·DateNov 8, 2016

Herbicide resistance in waterhemp continues to grow

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.