Effective Weed Control Research Articles

Periods of weed interference in garlic crop

Garlic cultivation holds significant importance in Brazil. However, research on garlic crops is currently limited and outdated, highlighting the necessity for new studies, particularly focused on enhancing weed management and optimizing the use of agricultural inputs. This study aimed to assess the extent of yield losses attributed to weed interference and the specific periods during which weed interference impacts garlic crop yields in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The experiments were conducted in Curitibanos, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, during 2019 and 2020, using the garlic cultivars Chonan and Ito, respectively. A randomized block experimental design was employed, consisting of 16 treatment groups with four replications. The design incorporated a 2×8 factorial arrangement, involving two weed management strategies (coexistence and control) and eight crop-weed coexistence periods (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 130 days after crop emergence – DAE). The study evaluated the weed community and recorded data on the number of bulbs, bulb diameter, as well as total and commercial bulb yields of garlic crops. The results indicated average losses of 24.3% in total bulb yield and 28.9% in commercial bulb yield. Critical periods for effective weed control were identified as 6 to 126 DAE in 2019, 5 to 126 DAE in 2020 for total yield, 3 to 126 DAE in 2019, and 5 to 126 DAE in 2020 for commercial bulb yield. Consequently, it is imperative to maintain garlic crops weed-free throughout most of their growth cycle.

The effects of herbicide application on the properties of agricultural soil in Algeria

Phytosanitary products, particularly herbicides, are essential for weed control in agriculture. This study examined the concentration and persistence of Pinoxaden residues in different soil textures. Seventy-two soil samples from two farms in Tiaret, Algeria, were analyzed using liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure herbicide residues. The analysis used a mobile phase of acetonitrile and methanol (50/50, V/V) with a retention time of 2 minutes. Results indicated significant differences in residue persistence based on soil texture. Clay-loam soils showed higher residue persistence, averaging 6.01 × 10^-4 ± 8.7 × 10^-5 μg/g, while sandy soils had lower persistence, averaging 6.4 × 10^-5 ± 5.9 × 10^-6 μg/g. This underscores the impact of soil characteristics on herbicide behavior and the need for tailored management strategies. Despite herbicides' benefits, their environmental impacts are concerning. Persistent residues can contaminate soil and harm ecosystems. Raising awareness among stakeholders about these risks is essential. The study recommends sustainable alternatives, such as biological control methods, to reduce dependency on chemical herbicides. Biological controls offer eco-friendly solutions, promoting ecosystem balance and reducing agriculture's ecological footprint. Implementing crop rotation and other integrated pest management (IPM) strategies can enhance weed control effectiveness while decreasing reliance on chemical herbicides. These practices mitigate environmental risks and improve soil health and agricultural productivity. In conclusion, while herbicides are indispensable in modern agriculture, responsible use and management are crucial for environmental sustainability and the long-term viability of agricultural systems. By adopting sustainable practices and innovative technologies, it is possible to balance agricultural productivity with environmental protection.

Rotation with Soybean Improved Weed Control and Foxtail Millet Yield

Foxtail millet is an important characteristic grain crop in northern China. However, weeds compete seriously with foxtail millet and have long been a biological factor that has plagued foxtail millet production. Rotation requires determining the species and sequence of crops, and reasonable rotation has many benefits for agriculture, including reducing the damage by weeds. In order to clarify the combination effects of foxtail millet–soybean rotation sequence and herbicide on weed control and crop yield, fixed-position experiments were designed in three growing seasons. Foxtail millet and soybean were planted following the sequence below in successive years (FFF, foxtail millet–wheat–foxtail millet–wheat–foxtail millet; SFF: soybean–wheat–foxtail millet–wheat–foxtail millet; SSF, soybean–wheat–soybean–wheat–foxtail millet; SSS, soybean–wheat–soybean–wheat–soybean), and weed density, biodiversity, weed seedbank, and crop yield were examined and analyzed. The results showed that the average weed density of SFF and SSF was reduced by 61.7% and 66.3% compared with FFF in the three years and by 16.5% and 26.6% compared with SSS, separately. Foxtail millet–soybean rotation (SFF and SSF) increased the species richness and the Margalef species richness index of the weed community and reduced the Simpson index compared with the continuous foxtail millet and the continuous soybean cropping (FFF and SSS). The weed seedbank of SFF and SSF was 45.7% and 55.8% smaller than that of FFF and increased by 92.7% and 56.7% compared with SSS, respectively. The weed density in the FFF treatment was significantly correlated with the 0–5 cm grass seedbank size, while there was no significant correlation in the other three treatments. Benefiting from the lower weed damage intensity, the yield of foxtail millet in SFF and SSF increased by 54.05% and 221.81% compared with FFF, respectively. The research results revealed that both SFF and SSF can effectively reduce the damage of weeds and help improve biodiversity. SSF has a higher weed control effect and higher foxtail millet yield than SFF. This study contributes to the understanding of crop–weed interactions in foxtail millet–soybean rotation and can be applied to areas with similar environments.

Productivity and Profitability of Indian Mustard as affected by Integrated Weed Management

Background: Weed infestation is a primary cause of reduced yields, with estimated losses ranging from 10-70% due to crop-weed competition in Indian mustard. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective weed control measures to optimize the crop¢s yield potential. A combination of herbicides with manual, culturaland mechanical approaches is desirable to achieve optimal weed control. Therefore, a field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of integrated weed management on the productivity and profitability of Indian mustard. Methods: The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Main Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar during rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23. It consisted of eight treatments in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Result: Pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1 fb straw mulch 5 t ha-1 controlled the mixed flora of weeds which resulted in the lowest weed density, weed dry weight, weed index and highest weed control efficiency which resulted in the highest grain yield and stover yield of mustard. Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1 fb straw mulch 5 t ha-1 registered the highest benefit-cost ratio.

Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance against PSII-Inhibiting Herbicides in Amaranthus retroflexus from the Czech Republic.

Amaranthus retroflexus L. (redroot pigweed) is one of the most problematic weeds in maize, sugar beet, vegetables, and soybean crop fields in Europe. Two pigweed amaranth biotypes (R1 and R2) from the Czech Republic resistant to photosystem II (PSII)-inhibiting herbicides were analyzed in this study. This study aimed to identify the genetic mechanisms that underlie the resistance observed in the biotypes. Additionally, we also intended to establish the use of chlorophyll fluorescence measurement as a rapid and reliable method for confirming herbicide resistance in this weed species. Both biotypes analyzed showed high resistance factors in a dose-response study and were thus confirmed to be resistant to PSII-inhibiting herbicides. A sequence analysis of the D1 protein revealed a well-known Ser-Gly substitution at amino acid position 264 in both biotypes. Molecular docking studies, along with the wild-type and mutant D1 protein's secondary structure analyses, revealed that the S264G mutation did not reduce herbicide affinity but instead indirectly affected the interaction between the target protein and the herbicides. The current study identified the S264G mutation as being responsible for conferring herbicide resistance in the pigweed amaranth biotypes. These findings can provide a strong basis for future studies that might use protein structure and mutation-based approaches to gain further insights into the detailed mechanisms of resistance in this weed species. In many individuals from both biotypes, resistance at a very early stage (BBCH10) of plants was demonstrated several hours after the application of the active ingredients by the chlorophyll fluorescence method. The effective PS II quantum yield parameter can be used as a rapid diagnostic tool for distinguishing between sensitive and resistant plants on an individual level. This method can be useful for identifying herbicide-resistant weed biotypes in the field, which can help farmers and weed management practitioners develop more effective weed control tactics.

Design and Simulation of Intra-Row Obstacle Avoidance Shovel-Type Weeding Machine in Orchard

This paper presents the design of an intra-row obstacle avoidance shovel-type weeding machine. Theoretical analysis of intra-row weeding components guided the determination of the structures and parameters for key parts, including the signal acquisition mechanism, automatic obstacle avoidance mechanism, and weeding shovel. Furthermore, a hydraulic system was designed to support these functions. The design aims to optimize intra-row weeding operations, reduce labor costs, enhance weed control effectiveness, and prevent collisions between weeding equipment and grapevines. Through the construction of a mathematical model, the analysis determined the necessary minimum return speed of the hydraulic cylinder for the intra-row weeding shovel to avoid grapevines. We also established a reasonable range for the extension speed of the hydraulic cylinder to minimize areas missed during weeding. Further analysis showed that using the minimum return speed of the hydraulic cylinder effectively reduced missed weeding areas. A virtual prototype model of the weeding machine was created in ADAMS. Using the coverage rate of weeding operation as the evaluation index, single-factor simulation tests determined that the extension speed of the piston rod in the obstacle avoidance hydraulic cylinder and the forward speed of the weeding machine are the main influencing factors. The preset threshold of the control system, which triggered the automatic obstacle avoidance mechanism when the obstacle avoidance rod reached a specific angle (the “Angle Threshold”), was identified as a secondary influencing factor. Other factors were considered irrelevant. Hydraulic cylinder extension speed, weeding machine forward speed, and angle threshold were chosen as the influencing factors. Following the principles of a Box–Behnken experimental design, a quadratic regression combination experiment was designed using a three-factor, three-level response surface analysis method. The evaluation criterion focused on the coverage rate of weeding operation. A regression model was developed to determine the coverage rate of the weeding operation, identifying the optimal parameters as follows: obstacle avoidance hydraulic cylinder extension speed of 120 mm/s, forward speed of the weeding machine at 0.6 m/s, and an angle threshold of 18°. The optimized coverage rate of the weeding operation achieved 86.1%. This study serves as a reference for further optimization of intra-row weeding machines in vineyards and for other crops.

Optimizing herbicide types and concentrations: Crucial elements for achieving intensive cultivation of common buckwheat

An appropriate herbicide type and concentration is essential for effective weed management and enhancing crop yield. However, the optimal herbicide type and corresponding application concentration for controlling weeds in common buckwheat on the Loess Plateau region of Northwestern China remain unclear. To address this gap, experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of various herbicides on weed control, dry matter accumulation, and grain yield in common buckwheat, and to analyze the variances in weed control efficacy and grain yields of the optimal herbicides at different concentrations. The results showed that both metolachlor and quizalofop-P-ethyl demonstrated effective weed control with lower phytotoxicity. Dry matter accumulation was lower under metolachlor, with no significant differences observed among the post-emergence herbicide treatments. Importantly, metolachlor and quizalofop-P-ethyl promoted the allocation of dry matter to grains. Remarkably, metolachlor and quizalofop-P-ethyl increased the grain yield by 15.59% and 26.97%, respectively, compared to spraying an equivalent amount of water. Additionally, the m2.25, q0.9, and q1.2 treatments exhibited excellent weed control effectiveness. And the higher grainnumber per plant observed under m2.25, q0.9, and q1.2 contributed to the increase in grain yield. Consequently, m2.25, q0.9 and q1.2 increased the grain yield by 34.42%, 38.86% and 33.16%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that applying metolachlor and quizalofop-P-ethyl at 2.25 L ha−1 and 0.9 or 1.2 L ha−1 respectively, is beneficial for efficient weed management and yield enhancement in common buckwheat cultivation on the Loess Plateau region of Northwestern China. These studies provide important guidance for promoting common buckwheat cultivation in this region.

Screening the Potential f Fungal Derived Bioherbicide in Weed Management

Synthetic herbicides have long been a cornerstone of modern agriculture, providing effective weed control but often at significant environmental and health costs. These chemicals can persist in the environment, leach into groundwater, and harm non-target organisms, including humans. Additionally, the overuse of synthetic herbicides has led to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds, further complicating weed management strategies. In response to these challenges, researchers and farmers alike are increasingly turning to bioherbicides derived from fungi as a sustainable alternative. Fungal bioherbicides harness the natural antagonistic properties of fungi to target weeds. Unlike synthetic herbicides, which are chemically synthesized and often broad-spectrum in action, fungal bioherbicides utilize either the fungi themselves as pathogens or their metabolites to disrupt weed growth. This approach offers several distinct advantages:Target Specificity: Fungal bioherbicides can be highly specific to certain weed species or even to specific stages of weed growth. This specificity reduces collateral damage to non-target plants and organisms, making them particularly suitable for environmentally sensitive areas such as organic farms, riparian zones, and protected ecosystems. Environmental Friendliness: Unlike synthetic herbicides that can persist in the environment and accumulate in soil and water bodies, fungal bioherbicides generally have lower persistence. They degrade more rapidly and often have minimal impact on non-target organisms, thereby preserving biodiversity and ecosystem health. Reduced Risk of Resistance: Synthetic herbicides often face the challenge of herbicide-resistant weeds, which evolve due to continuous and widespread use. Fungal bioherbicides, by contrast, pose a lower risk of resistance development. This is because they typically act through multiple modes of action or biochemical pathways within the weed, making it harder for weeds to develop resistance mechanisms. Research into fungal-derived bioherbicides is actively exploring and harnessing these advantages. Scientists are screening diverse fungal species to identify potent pathogens or metabolites that effectively inhibit weed growth. Moreover, advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering allow for the enhancement of fungal strains to optimize their bioherbicidal properties while ensuring safety and efficacy. One promising example is the use of fungal pathogens like Phomamacrostoma and Colletotrichum truncatum, which have demonstrated efficacy against various weed species including common agricultural weeds like velvetleaf and pigweed. These fungi infect weeds through mechanisms such as spore attachment, penetration of plant tissues, and secretion of phytotoxic metabolites that inhibit weed growth. In addition to their direct impact on weed management, fungal bioherbicides contribute to sustainable agricultural practices by reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals. They align with principles of integrated pest management (IPM) by offering a biological control method that complements cultural and mechanical weed control strategies. Moving forward, continued research and development efforts are essential to refine fungal bioherbicides, optimize application techniques, and expand their practical use in diverse agricultural settings. Challenges such as formulation stability, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory approvals also need to be addressed to facilitate widespread adoption by farmers.

The Effects of Weed Control and Plant Density on the Yield and Components of Mung Bean and Accompanying Weeds

The Effects of Weed Control and Plant Density on the Yield and Components of Mung Bean and Accompanying Weeds

Manipulating soil resource availability to alter microbial communities for weed management in agroecosystems

The growing resistance of weeds to herbicides demands innovative strategies that harness soil biology for effective weed control. We examined the use of carbon amendments to stimulate microbial immobilization of soil nitrogen for weed control. We hypothesized that increased carbon availability will stimulate soil microbial growth, leading to greater nitrogen immobilization, which consequently decreases plant-available nitrogen and suppresses the growth of nitrogen-responsive weed species. We buried 80 19-L pots in a research farm field and added sawdust and sucrose to soils as a high carbon treatment and used unamended soils as a control. We examined eight different weed species separately, and measured plant growth, soil carbon, available nitrate, microbial carbon and nitrogen, and microbial community composition after 11 weeks of treatment. The carbon amendments altered plant-microbial competition for nitrogen, resulting in reduced biomass for most weed species. The carbon-amended soils had higher microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, slower nitrogen cycling, and less available soil nitrogen, indicating enhanced nitrogen immobilization. The carbon treatment altered the beta diversity of soil fungi and bacteria and reduced fungal alpha diversity estimated by the Shannon index. The study results indicate that high carbon substrates can be used to modify plant-microbial competition for soil nitrogen with important implications for developing sustainable weed management practices.

The finger weeder cultivator for intra‐row mechanical weed control: Effects of uprooting force on selected weed species

AbstractMechanical weed control tools are commonly used in the production of many vegetable and field crops. This study aimed to determine the impact of weed species and growth stage on the finger weeder performances and to reveal the relation between root morphology, uprooting force and control efficacy. A one‐month field experiment with two model species, Triticum aestivum L. (grass) and Sinapis alba L. (broadleaf), showed that finger weeder control efficacy was affected by species and growth stage: Finger‐weeder application during the first two growth stages (cotyledon and second leaf) was more effective for S. alba than for T. aestivum (p < 0.0001), but at fourth‐leaf stage values for control efficacy were not significantly different (p = 0.134). In an experiment conducted in pots it was found that, at all three growth stages, the uprooting force required for S. alba was significantly lower than that for T. aestivum (p < 0.0001), indicating a lower anchoring force of the former. Determination of root‐morphology parameters revealed significantly higher root parameters, like length, in T. aestivum than in S. alba at the early developmental stages. Correlation of the control efficacy and uprooting force revealed a 2.5‐N threshold value for effective weed control. Additionally, net‐house and field experiments showed significant differences in the uprooting forces required for 10 different Mediterranean grasses versus broadleaves weed species at all developmental stages. To translate these findings into applicative recommendations, future research should characterize the relationship between the operational factors of this tool and the required uprooting force.

RVDR-YOLOv8: A Weed Target Detection Model Based on Improved YOLOv8

Currently, weed control robots that can accurately identify weeds and carry out removal work are gradually replacing traditional chemical weed control techniques. However, the computational and storage resources of the core processing equipment of weeding robots are limited. Aiming at the current problems of high computation and the high number of model parameters in weeding robots, this paper proposes a lightweight weed target detection model based on the improved YOLOv8 (You Only Look Once Version 8), called RVDR-YOLOv8 (Reversible Column Dilation-wise Residual). First, the backbone network is reconstructed based on RevCol (Reversible Column Networks). The unique reversible columnar structure of the new backbone network not only reduces the computational volume but also improves the model generalisation ability. Second, the C2fDWR module is designed using Dilation-wise Residual and integrated with the reconstructed backbone network, which improves the adaptive ability of the new backbone network RVDR and enhances the model’s recognition accuracy for occluded targets. Again, GSConv is introduced at the neck end instead of traditional convolution to reduce the complexity of computation and network structure while ensuring the model recognition accuracy. Finally, InnerMPDIoU is designed by combining MPDIoU with InnerIoU to improve the prediction accuracy of the model. The experimental results show that the computational complexity of the new model is reduced by 35.8%, the number of parameters is reduced by 35.4% and the model size is reduced by 30.2%, while the mAP50 and mAP50-95 values are improved by 1.7% and 1.1%, respectively, compared to YOLOv8. The overall performance of the new model is improved compared to models such as Faster R-CNN, SSD and RetinaNet. The new model proposed in this paper can achieve the accurate identification of weeds in farmland under the condition of limited hardware resources, which provides theoretical and technical support for the effective control of weeds in farmland.

Non-chemical weed management: Harnessing flame weeding for effective weed control

The goal of the current study was to create and assess the effectiveness of a hand-pulled ergonomically designed flame weeder. The developed weeder was tested in the field at three operating pressures (20, 30 and 40 Psi) and forward speeds (1.00, 1.25 and 1.50 km/h) to study their effects on plant damage, survival rates, weight preservation rates, weed management effectiveness, soil temperatures, and gas and energy consumption. Thereafter, at optimized values of forward speed and operating pressure, a comparative assessment of flame weeding with traditional methods (mechanical and manual weeding) was done in terms of weed control effectiveness, operational time, energy consumption, and cost of operation. Results showed that the optimal performance of the designed flame weeder was achieved when operated at a speed of 1 km/h and an operating pressure of 40 psi. The survival rate, weight preservation rate, weed control efficiency, change in soil temperature, recovery rate, plant damage, gas consumption, and energy consumption were observed to be 27.3 %, 32.5 %, 91.1 %, 40.74 °C, 8.5 %, 2.2 %, 4.05 kg/h, and 2500.24 MJ/ha, respectively, at optimized values of forward speed (1.00 km/h) and operating pressure (40 Psi). The actual field capacity, field efficiency and operating cost of the flame weeder were 0.0755 ha/h, 94.94 %, and 3620.81 ₹/ha, respectively. Hand weeding had the best level of weed control effectiveness, but it was a laborious, time-consuming process. When compared to manual weeding, flame weeding was 50.42 % cheaper and 94.82 % faster.

Crop safety and control of acetolactate synthase inhibitor-resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) with very long-chain fatty acid-inhibiting herbicides in dry edible bean

Palmer amaranth is a relatively recent arrival in Western Nebraska, where acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibitor-resistant biotypes are common in the region. With limited effective postemergence (POST) herbicides for controlling ALS-inhibitor-resistant Palmer amaranth in dry edible bean, a sequential preemergence (PRE) followed by (fb) POST program of very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA)-inhibiting herbicides shows promise. Currently, dimethenamid-P is the only VLCFA-inhibiting herbicide registered for POST use in dry edible bean in Nebraska. The objective of this study was to assess the crop safety and effectiveness in weed control of sequential PRE fb POST programs, including pendimethalin + dimethenamid-P applied PRE fb dimethenamid-P POST, pendimethalin + S-metolachlor PRE fb S-metolachlor POST, and pendimethalin + pyroxasulfone PRE fb POST, in comparison with pendimethalin + dimethenamid-P applied PRE fb imazamox + bentazon + fomesafen applied POST in dry edible bean. Results showed that sequential PRE fb POST programs were more effective in reducing both the density and biomass of Palmer amaranth compared to PRE-alone programs. Pendimethalin + dimethenamid-P applied PRE fb dimethenamid-P POST, along with pendimethalin + S-metolachlor PRE fb S-metolachlor POST, resulted in over 85% control of Palmer amaranth, similar to the effectiveness of pendimethalin + dimethenamid-P PRE fb fomesafen + imazamox + bentazon applied POST. Pendimethalin + pyroxasulfone applied PRE-alone and the application of pendimethalin + pyroxasulfone PRE fb pyroxasulfone POST showed inconsistent control of Palmer amaranth, causing high crop injury, stand loss, and delayed maturity, ultimately leading to yield loss. Dimethenamid-P and S-metolachlor demonstrated excellent crop safety when applied either PRE-only or sequentially. Pendimethalin + S-metolachlor PRE fb S-metolachlor POST provided control of Palmer amaranth comparable to that achieved with POST applications of dimethenamid-P and imazamox + bentazon + fomesafen.

Preemergence Herbicides and Mulches for Cutting Propagation—Impact on Rooting, Growth after Transplant, and Weed Control

Weed control in cutting propagation is limited to manual hand weeding, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Preemergence herbicides and mulches may be viable weed control methods for cutting propagation, but crop safety and weed control efficacy must be better understood. Four preemergence herbicides (indaziflam, isoxaben, isoxaben + dithiopyr, and oxyfluorfen + oxadiazon) and two mulches (pine pellets and rice hulls) were assessed in cutting propagation for their impact on rooting and subsequent liner growth (butterfly bush [Buddleja davidii Franch.] and crape myrtle [Lagerstroemia indica L.]) and control of four common weed species. Butterfly bush cuttings had lower rooting percentage and root dry weight with isoxaben and isoxaben + dithiopyr, but no damage was observed for all other treatments during propagation or after transplant. Crape myrtle cutting root development and liner growth were statistically similar for all treatments compared to the non-treated control. Isoxaben, isoxaben + dithiopyr, oxyfluorfen + oxadiazon, and pine pellets provided excellent control (87 to 100%) of all four weed species tested. Overall, several preemergence herbicides and mulches were safe for use in cutting propagation and effective weed control varied by product and weed species.

Effect of weed control and fertilizer management on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Effect of weed control and fertilizer management on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Chemical weed control in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and its residual effects on greengram (Vigna radiata)

Chemical weed control in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and its residual effects on greengram (Vigna radiata)

Optimizing Weed Control: A Study on the Influence of Drone Sprayer Altitude in Herbicide Application

This research aims to determine the spraying distance of herbicides using a drone sprayer to achieve effective weed control. The use of herbicides is crucial to managing the competition for plant nutrients that threaten crop yields. The study analyzes the herbicide distribution patterns on plants sprayed using a drone with a flying speed of 3 m/s, utilizing a flat fan nozzle at different flying distances. During spraying activities, a compact weather station was employed to record environmental conditions, including air temperatures around 33.4-34.4 °C, relative humidity between 56.2-64.3%, wind speeds of 0.1-1 m/s, and wind direction from the southwest or south. There was no rainfall during the spraying sessions. The research results significantly contribute to the development of herbicide spraying technology using drones by carefully considering environmental conditions. Chlorophyll content was measured using the Soil-Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) through drone mapping. The drone sprayer at a 1-meter distance, covering an area of 600 m2, and using a 10 ml herbicide mixed with 10,000 ml water effectively reduced chlorophyll in weed plants. Multispectral data showed significant changes with a shift to red indicating non-vegetative areas after herbicide spraying. There was a decrease in average chlorophyll values measured at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days post-spraying, with the lowest recorded on plots with a 1-meter spraying distance (average chlorophyll value of 19.62 SPAD). Therefore, the drone sprayer at a 1-meter distance proved effective in controlling weeds and reducing chlorophyll in non-target plants, making a crucial contribution to the development of herbicide spraying technology using drones and improving efficiency in agricultural management.

Comparative environmental analysis of sugar beet production using a solar-driven robot and conventional systems from a sustainability perspective

In the context of rapid global population growth and climate change, balancing agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability has never been more important. Precision farming technologies, including robotics, are touted as having huge potential to increase farm productivity, reduce energy and resource use and compact soil, while reducing the overall environmental impact of on-farm production. This comprehensive study presents, for the first time, a detailed analysis and environmental benchmarking of two organic sugar beet production (SBP) systems, conventional (CONV) and robotic (RBT), based on field experiments in Lithuanian conditions where a solar-powered robot is integrated into the production system to carry out sowing and weeding operations. In order to reduce the potential environmental impact and to understand the consequences of using the robot in agriculture, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the entire SBP process up to the factory gate was carried out. The results of the analysis show that the conventional system has higher total GHG emissions than the robotic system, 36.98 and 27.18 kg CO2eq t−1, respectively, with poultry manure being the largest contributor. The higher beet yield in the RBT system, mainly due to effective weed control, resulted in a higher GHG emissions ratio (14.72) and a higher sustainability index (13.72). The LCA results showed that the CONV system had a higher negative environmental impact than the RBT in all eleven environmental impact categories assessed, with the most pronounced difference in the Ozone Depletion (OD) category. Diesel fuel was identified as the most important environmental factor for organically growing sugar beet in all considered impact categories, with the most notable environmental impact (about 94%) in the terrestrial ecotoxicity category in both systems. Normalization of the results showed that marine aquatic ecotoxicity (ME) had the greatest (78%) influence of all exposure categories for both cultivation systems, CONV – 22079.82, and RBT 18121.61 kg 1.4-DBeq per ton of produced sugar beet. The study found that increasing yields and reducing fossil fuel use in organic farming are the two most promising strategies for achieving sustainability and efficiency in food production.

Effects of Fall and Winter Cover Crops on Weed Suppression in the United States: A Meta-Analysis

Cover cropping recently emerged as a promising alternative to conventional tillage and herbicide use for weed suppression in agricultural systems. We investigated their effectiveness in weed control and the varying effects of different management strategies using a meta-analysis. Our analysis studied two categories: weed biomass control and weed density control. We employed a random-effect model to analyze weed biomass to address between-study heterogeneity and found that cover crop treatments led to a significant 62.6% reduction in weed biomass. These results are robust to outliers and publication bias. Furthermore, subgroup analysis found that planting a mixture of cover crop types was more effective than planting a single type. Additionally, planting a mixture of cover crop species, which are subcategories of cover crop types, was found to be more effective than planting a single species. Our analysis also unveiled a persistent, albeit diminishing, reduction in weed biomass even after the termination of cover crops. For weed density analysis, we used a fixed-effect model due to the absence of between-study heterogeneity and found a statistically significant reduction (45.4%) in weed density. Subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference in weed density control between legume and grass cover crop types.