Abstract
ABSTRACT Non-chemical approaches to weed control as possible methyl bromide alternatives, or for organic production, are needed in vegetable production. Effects of pulsed electric fields generated by a DC breakdown event and from a Blunlein transmission line type generator were tested to ascertain their effects on seedling emergence of Smallflower Morningglory [Jacquemontia tamnifolia(L.) Briseb.] and Green Foxtail [Setaria viridis(L.) Beauv.]. Seeds were air-dried and exposed to single and repetitive pulsed electric fields. To determine the effect of these systems the parameters of the pulsed system such as duration, rise/ fall time, repetition rate, and field strength, were tested. The DC breakdown results indicated a decrease in percent seedling emergence for Green Foxtail and an increase in seedling emergence for Smallflower Morningglory. A replicated study was conducted with a 50 ns pulse generator with an average of 59 kV output. The pulsed electric field method caused a small increase in seedling emergence from air-dried seed of Smallflower Morningglory, possibly due to disruption of the hard seed coat of this species. A better understanding of the application of a pulsed electric field may lead to a method for non-chemical weed control.
Published Version
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