Mechanical Weed Research Articles

A mixed-autonomous robotic platform for intra-row and inter-row weed removal for precision agriculture

The presence of weeds poses a common and persistent problem in crop cultivation, affecting both yield and overall agricultural productivity. Common solutions to the problem typically include chemical pesticides, mulching, or mechanical weeding performed by agricultural implements or humans. Even if effective, those techniques have several drawbacks, including soil and water pollution, high cost-effectiveness ratio or stress for operators. In recent years, novel robotic solutions have been proposed to overcome current limitations and to move towards more sustainable approaches to weeding. This work presents a mixed-autonomous, robotic, weeding system based on a fully integrated three-axis platform and a vision system mounted on a mobile rover. The rover’s motion is remotely controlled by a human operator, while weeds identification and removal is performed autonomously by the robotic system. Once in position, an RGB-D camera captures the portion of field to be treated. The acquired spatial, color and depth information is used to classify soil, the main crop, and the weeds to be removed using a pre-trained Deep Neural Network. Each target is then analyzed by a second RGB-D camera (mounted on the gripper) to confirm the correct classification before its removal. With the proposed approach, weeds are all the plants not classified as the main crop known a priori. The performance of the integrated robotic system has been tested in laboratory as well as in open field and in greenhouse conditions. The system was also tested under different light and shadowing conditions to evaluate the performance of the Deep Neural Network. Results show that the identification of the plants (both crop and weeds) is above 95%, increasing to 98% when additional information, such as the intra-row spacing, is provided. Nevertheless, the correct identification of the weeds remains above 97% ensuring an effective removal of weeds (up to 85%) with negligible crop damage (less than 5%).

PENGGUNAAN HERBISIDA TRIKLOPIR UNTUK MENGENDALIKAN GULMA PADA PERKEBUNAN KELAPA SAWIT FASE BELUM MENGHASILKAN DAN PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP KEANEKARAGAMAN SERANGGA

Weed is one of the major problems in immature oil palm plantations. Weed control is carried out to optimize the growth of oil palm plants, and the method commonly used in the field is chemical control with herbicides. The active ingredient of the herbicide used in the field is triclopyr, however herbicide application is thought to affect the diversity of insects, especially those found in lower vegetation, at the same time it is necessary to observe the effect of herbicide application on insect diversity. This study aims to obtain an effective dose of herbicide to control weeds in immature oil palm plants and to determine the effect of herbicide application on insect diversity. This study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) which consisted of 6 treatments and 4 replications. Triclopyr herbicide treatment doses were 864 g.ha-1, 768 g/ha, 672 g.ha-1, 576 g.ha-1, mechanical weeding and control. Insect sampling method uses insect nets and pitfall traps. The data obtained were analyzed using variance or F test at 5% level and further test was carried out by DMRT at 5% level. The results showed that the best dose of herbicide triclopir was 768 g/ha because it was effective in controlling the weeds of Borreria latifolia, Calopogonium mucunoides and Asystasia gangetica. Triclopyr herbicide application affects the diversity of insects and the even distribution of insects.

Effects of a Novel Weeding and Fertilization Scheme on Yield and Quality of Rice

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a novel weeding and fertilization scheme, namely, mechanical weeding plus a one-time deep application of a reduced amount of slow-release fertilizer for rice cultivation. The effects of the weeding and fertilization method on rice yield and quality were investigated using a split plot test as the research method. Two weeding methods, namely, chemical weeding (CW) and mechanical weeding (MW), and four fertilization methods were tested, including the conventional fertilization method (quantitative split broadcast application of fast-release N fertilizer (CK)), the quantitative split broadcast application of 80% fast-release N fertilizer (LCK), the one-time base application of slow-release fertilizer (SR), and the one-time deep application of 80% slow-release fertilizer (LSR). The results showed that the rice yield under MW with LSR treatment can maintain a high level—higher than 9.2 t ha−1 per year. This was attributed to the slow-release fertilizer and deep fertilization, which increased the number of stems and tillers in the pre-fertility and spike rate, respectively, resulting in a high panicle number with a 20% reduction of N fertilizer. Furthermore, mechanical weeding improved the seed-setting rate, resulting in a higher number of grains per panicle, a higher panicle number, and an increased thousand-grain weight, thereby maintaining a high yield. At the same time, the quality of rice under MW with LSR treatment improved, specifically reflected in the significant improvement of the processing and appearance quality of rice, a slight increase in protein content, and a reduction in the amylose content, thereby improving its nutritional quality while maintaining good cooking quality.

Improved weed segmentation in UAV imagery of sorghum fields with a combined deblurring segmentation model

BackgroundEfficient and site-specific weed management is a critical step in many agricultural tasks. Image captures from drones and modern machine learning based computer vision methods can be used to assess weed infestation in agricultural fields more efficiently. However, the image quality of the captures can be affected by several factors, including motion blur. Image captures can be blurred because the drone moves during the image capturing process, e.g. due to wind pressure or camera settings. These influences complicate the annotation of training and test samples and can also lead to reduced predictive power in segmentation and classification tasks.ResultsIn this study, we propose DeBlurWeedSeg, a combined deblurring and segmentation model for weed and crop segmentation in motion blurred images. For this purpose, we first collected a new dataset of matching sharp and naturally blurred image pairs of real sorghum and weed plants from drone images of the same agricultural field. The data was used to train and evaluate the performance of DeBlurWeedSeg on both sharp and blurred images of a hold-out test-set. We show that DeBlurWeedSeg outperforms a standard segmentation model that does not include an integrated deblurring step, with a relative improvement of 13.4 % in terms of the Sørensen-Dice coefficient.ConclusionOur combined deblurring and segmentation model DeBlurWeedSeg is able to accurately segment weeds from sorghum and background, in both sharp as well as motion blurred drone captures. This has high practical implications, as lower error rates in weed and crop segmentation could lead to better weed control, e.g. when using robots for mechanical weed removal.

Effects of organic and inorganic mulching, nettle extract, and manual weeding on weed management under direct-seeded lentil in Meknes region, Morocco

Weeds represent a major problem for the production of food legumes in Morocco. In order to cover its legume needs, the country currently imports this commodity, particularly lentils (Lens culinaris Medik.). The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of some agroecological strategies, such as manual weeding, fermented nettle extract (Urtica dioica L.), black plastic, and wheat straw mulching, on weed management, yield and yield components of lentil. The experiment was carried out at the Agroecology and Environment platform of the National School of Agriculture in Meknes, Morocco, in 2020–21 and 2021–22. Five treatments were tested in a complete randomized block design with four replications. The data analysis revealed that crop competition with weeds can result in a yield loss of over 60%. The weed flora identified was very diverse, with 27 different species. All treatments resulted in effective weed management compared to the control (untreated), significant economic gains and a difference in protein content, and a significant decrease in weed density and dry biomass by more than 50% at the flowering and maturity stages. The nettle extract treatment was less effective than the other treatments, but did not show phytotoxic effects on the crop, and it inhibited the germination of more than 50% of Glebionis coronaria (L.) seeds and more than 80% of Avena stirilis (L.) seeds compared to the control under laboratory conditions, which was confirmed in the field. The agroecological practices tested in this study resulted in the highest yield and yield components of the lentil crop compared to the control, leading us to conclude that reducing weed infestation is useful in cropping systems where chemical or mechanical weed control is not feasible, and for crops with low weed competitive ability.

Design of Power Weeder Machine

Improper weed control methods can cause about 30–35% reduction in crop yield. Mechanical weed control on ridges is still a major problem. A ridge profile power weeder was designed and developed for weeding of ridge planted crops. The main working components of the weeder were cutting blades and rotor shaft. Three types of blades (L-type, C-type and Flat-type) were selected having length, width and thickness of 100 mm, 25 mm and 6 mm, respectively, operating with a rotor shaft of 18 mm in diameter. C-type blades were most suitable at gang speed of 200 rpm and 15.26±0.96% (d.b) soil moisture content with weeding efficiency, plant damage, field capacity of 91.37%, 2.66%, and 0.086 ha.h-1, respectively. Time saving with ridge profile power weeder as compared to manual weeding was 92.97 per cent.

Development and Experimental Validation of an Agricultural Robotic Platform with High Traction and Low Compaction

Some researchers expect that future agriculture will be automated by swarms of small machines. However, small and light robots have some disadvantages. They have problems generating interaction forces high enough to modify the environment (lift a stone, cultivate the soil, or transport high loads). Additionally, they have limited range and terrain mobility. One option to change this paradigm is to use spikes instead of wheels, which enter the soil to create traction. This allows high interaction forces with the soil, and the process is not limited by the weight of the vehicle. We designed a prototype for mechanical soil cultivation and weeding in agricultural fields and evaluated its efficiency. A static and dynamic test was performed to compare the energy input of the electrical motor with precise measurements of the forces on the attached tool. The results indicate that the prototype can create interaction forces of up to 2082 N with a robot weight of 90 kg. A net traction ratio of 2.31 was reached. The dynamic performance experiment generated pull forces of up to 1335 N for a sustained net traction ratio of 1.48. The overall energy efficiency ratio for the machine reached values of up to 0.54 based on the created draft force and the measured input energy consumption.

Diversity of pesticide use trajectories during agroecological transitions in vineyards: The case of the French DEPHY network

CONTEXTWinegrowers apply large quantities of pesticides to their vineyards to reduce high cryptogamic pressure. But these practices must change to lower pesticide use and improve viticulture sustainability. Different options for curbing pesticide use exist, and they can be progressively implemented following a specific temporal scheme in each production system. Some change trajectories can be more efficient than others in limiting pesticide applications. Combining trajectory studies and typology may be helpful in characterizing how farmers change their practices and in summarizing the various production system trajectories possible when transitioning towards pesticide use reduction. OBJECTIVEThe aims of this study were i) to identify different types of pesticide use trajectories, and ii) to understand the options implemented by winegrowers to reduce their pesticide use. METHODSWe analysed data from 161 farming systems in the DEPHY farm network in 12 French winegrowing regions over a 10-year period. Pesticide use was assessed with the treatment frequency index (TFI). We characterized the TFI trajectory of each farming system with six indicators and built a typology of TFI trajectories. We then analysed several indicators such as the use of biocontrol products and the dose sprayed to identify some of the management options chosen to achieve these pesticide use trajectories. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThree clusters were identified and characterized in terms of pesticide use strategy. The first cluster represented farms with an initial point close to the regional average and which did not experience a significant TFI reduction (−13%). The second cluster comprised farms with a low TFI when entering the network that were able to further reduce their TFI over time (−48%). The last cluster represented farms with a high initial TFI and a high reduction (−63%). All clusters managed to reduce their pesticide use by combining several technical levers at different intensities. Some differences in the levers between clusters were observed. Cluster 2 farms are in the process of converting to organic farming and using the associated levers such as biocontrol and mechanical weeding. SIGNIFICANCEThe changes implemented by cluster indicate a varying degree of progress in the transition towards pesticide use reduction. The initial point was identified as having a strong influence on the end result. The more intensively the technical levers were combined, the more difficult it was to reduce pesticide use. The DEPHY network supported winegrowers in their reduction of pesticides who managed to reduce their pesticide use by 13% to 63%.

Effect of Integrated Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of integrated weed management practices on growth and yield of onion at College Farm, Professor Jayashanker Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad in Rabi 2021. The experiment consisted of eleven treatments and laid out in randomised block design (RBD) with 3 replications. Results revealed that growth parameters viz., plant height and number of leaves per plant were significantly influenced by weed management practices. Significantly high growth parameters were recorded with mechanical weeding at 20 and 40 DAT and it was at par with pendimethalin 38.7% CS 677.25 g ha-1 PE + polyfilm mulch and oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC 100 g ha-1 PE + polyfilm mulch. Similarly, higher yield was recorded with mechanical weeding at 20 and 40 DAT (183.2 q ha-1) and it was on par with pendimethalin 38.7% CS 677.25 g ha-1 PE + polyfilm mulch (176.3 q ha-1) and oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC 100 g ha-1 PE + polyfilm mulch T2 (173.2 q ha-1). On the other hand, lower growth parameters and yield was recorded in unweeded treatment. Hence it can be concluded that mechanical weeding at 20 and 40 DAT or pendimethalin 38.7% CS 677.25 g ha-1 PE + polyfilm mulch or oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC 100 g ha-1 PE + polyfilm mulch may be adopted for better growth and yield in onion.

A conceptual evaluation of a weed control method with post-damage application of herbicides: A composite intelligent intra-row weeding robot

Weed management is an important part of crop production. Efficient weeding can help increase the yield and quality of crops. However, traditional weeding methods often fail to consider weeding quality and environmental protection. To address these shortcomings, a weeding method in which herbicides are applied after injury to weed tissue was developed, and an intelligent intra-row weeding robot was designed to evaluate the performance of this method. In control experiments, the proposed innovative weeding method showed a significantly better weed removal rate than purely mechanical weeding; its greatest contribution was to reduce the number of mechanical weeding operations, thereby reducing energy consumption and damage to the environment. Moreover, compared with chemical weeding approaches, the proposed method achieved a good weed removal rate while minimizing the use of herbicides, thereby reducing crop damage, weed resistance, and environmental pollution. In the final maize (Zea mays L.) test area, the robot traveled at a speed of 2.0 km/h and operated at a transmission efficiency of 60 frames per second. Moreover, the robot achieved a weed removal rate of 90.0% and a crop damage rate of 1.9%. Even better performance was obtained in a test area with Chinese cabbage, with a 94.5% weed removal rate and a 0.8% crop damage rate. Meanwhile, this method used only 15.3% of the herbicide required by traditional chemical weed control methods. Thus, the environmental protection properties of the intelligent intra-row weeding robot are more sustainable than those of conventional weeding methods, and the robot can achieve good performance in small-area fields.

Effect of integrated weed-management practices in direct-seeded autumn rice (Oryza sativa) on growth, yield and soil microflora

A study was carried out during the rainy (kharif) season of 2015 and 2016 at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, to evaluate the effect of 6 weed-management practices on growth, yield and soil microflora with 3 different direct-seeded upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties. The percentage of grasses was higher, followed by broad leaf weeds in variety ‘Maizubiron’ followed by ‘Guni’ during the critical crop growth period. The lowest weed density as well as dry weight at 20, 40 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) was recorded in rice variety ‘Inglongkiri’ under integrated weed management of pretilachlor 1.5 kg/ha and mechanical weeding which resulted in higher weed-control efficiency (36.29 and 37.62%, respectively) at 20 DAS. The light transmission ratio was the lowest in ‘Inglongkiri’ followed by ‘Guni’. The fungal and bacterial populations were reduced at 25 days after herbicide application which gradually increased up to 50 days. Higher grain yield and harvest index among rice varieties were recorded in ‘Inglongkiri’ (1.98 t/ha and 43.09, respectively.) and application of pretilachlor 0.75 or 1.5 kg/ha combined with mechanical weeding 30 DAS resulted in the higher grain yield (1.95 t/ha) and harvest index (39.33%) over 2 years.

Effects of Conservation Agriculture Practices on Tomato Yield and Economic Performance

Conservation agriculture practices, such as reduced tillage and the incorporation of cover crops, play a crucial role in improving the sustainability of organic farming systems. The aim of this two-year field trial was to evaluate five different organic technical itineraries (ST, IN1, IN2, M1, and M2) which differed on soil management practices adopted before processing tomato transplantation and regarding weed control strategies performed. Soil management practices in comparison consisted of conventional deep tillage (ST and M1) or reduced tillage together with the use of a cover crop mixture composed of common vetch and barley (IN1, IN2, and M2). Weed control strategies involved the use of biodegradable mulch together with mechanical weeding (ST and M2), or false seedbed technique and mechanical weeding (IN1, IN2, and M1). Weed biomass at harvest, tomato yield, and the operational and economic performance of each of the technical itineraries was evaluated. No significant differences emerged in terms of weed biomass at harvest between itineraries. Best yield results were obtained tendentially by ST and M2 when biodegradable mulch was used, with values equal to 42.14 and 41.47 Mg ha−1 in 2020 and 30.68 and 31.19 Mg ha−1 in 2021, respectively. Even though the itineraries where mulch film was used (ST and M2) resulted in significantly onerous processes, they also obtained the highest gross income compared to the other itineraries, with values of 30,998 and 29,900 € ha−1 in 2020, and of 16,060 and 15,186 € ha−1 in 2021, respectively. These results revealed the importance of using mulching to help cope with critical climatic conditions, such as drought seasons. Further studies are needed to evaluate the yield and economic advantages of both the effect of shallower soil tillage over a longer period in this specific context and the creation of ground cover with cover crops managed as dead mulch.

Fine-Mapping of qECL7.1, a Quantitative Trait Locus Contributing to Epicotyl Length in Adzuki Bean (Vigna angularis)

Increasing the epicotyl length (ECL) of adzuki bean cultivars enhances the suitability for mechanical weeding during the vegetative stages and harvesting at pod maturity. To explore the genetic control of ECL, and to identify molecular markers that could facilitate breeding for increased ECL, recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were developed from a cross between Toiku161 (long epicotyls) and Chihayahime (ordinary length epicotyls). In this study, four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified for ECL by QTL-seq analysis, one each on chromosomes 2, 7, 10 and 11. Insertion and deletion (InDel)-based mapping also detected QTLs on chromosomes 7, qECL7.1, and 10, qECL10.1. Substitution mapping using InDel, cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS), derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (dCAPS), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers narrowed the chromosomal location of qECL7.1 to a 418 kb region flanked by DNA markers TC99_10,211,134 bp and TC102_10,628,880 bp. A total of 35 genes were predicted within the qECL7.1 region. The ECL QTLs and molecular markers identified here will contribute towards marker-assisted selection of desirable long ECL genotypes that allow for increased mechanization and more efficient adzuki bean production.

Competing with the competitors in an endless competition: a systematic review of nonchemical weed management research in peanut (Arachis hypogea) in the United States

AbstractWeed interference is a major factor that reduces peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yield in the United States. Peanut growers rely heavily on herbicides for weed control. Although effective, herbicides are not a complete solution to the complex challenge that weeds present. Therefore, the use of nonchemical weed management options is essential. The literature on weed research in peanut in the past 53 yr in the United States was reviewed to assess the achievements and identify current research gaps and prospects for nonchemical weed management for future research. More than half (79%) of the published studies were from the southeastern United States. Most studies (88%) focused on weed management, while fewer studies (12%) addressed weed distribution, ecology, and competitive mechanisms. Broadleaf weeds were the most frequently studied weed species (60%), whereas only 23% and 19% of the published studies were relevant to grasses and Cyperus spp., respectively. Seventy-two percent of the published studies focused on curative measures using herbicides. Nonchemical methods using mechanical (5%) and preventive (13%) measures that influence crop competition and reduce the buildup of the weed seedbank, seedling recruitment, and weed seed production have received less attention. In most studies, the preventive weed management measures provided weed suppression and reduced weed competition but were not effective enough to reduce the need for herbicides to protect peanut yield. Therefore, future research should focus on developing integrated weed management strategies based on multiple preventive measures rather than one preventive measure combined with one or more curative measures. We recommend that research on mechanical weed management should focus on the role of cultivation when integrated with currently available herbicides. For successful weed management with lasting outcomes, the dominant weed communities of specific target locations should be addressed within the context of climate change and emerging constraints rather than focusing on single problematic species.

Corn Plant Density Effects on Grain Yield and Palmer Amaranth Response to Dicamba

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.) is primarily found in fallow and cultivated fields throughout Kansas (KS). Previously, we reported that the effective dose of dicamba for 50% control (ED50) of a 10-30 cm tall A. palmeri accession from KS (KSP) during the fallow-year of a wheat-corn-fallow rotation (WCF) ranged between 40.4 to 283.5 g ae ha-1 Here, we investigated corn (Zea mays L.) plant density effects on grain yield and the KSP response to dicamba in the corn-year of the WCF rotation. The experiments used a randomized complete block design with four replicates and a split-plot arrangement of treatments. Main plots consisted of corn planted at five densities (49,400; 61,700; 74,100; 86,400 and 98,800 plants ha-1) and sub-plots consisted of six doses of dicamba [(70, 140, 210, 280, 420, and 560 g ae ha-1) applied near V6], a weedy-check, and a weed-free check. In general, acceptable grain yield and KSP control with dicamba doses < 560 g ae ha-1 were only achieved when corn was planted at a density ≥ 74,100 plants ha-1. Based on the ED50 estimates, the KSP required 4.4-8.2% less dicamba for height and biomass reduction as corn plant density increased from 49,400 to 98,800 plants ha-1. Conversely, the amount of dicamba required for 50% reduction of KSP density increased 45.1% from 144.4 to 209.6 g ae ha-1 as corn plant density increased from 49,400 to 98,800 plants ha-1, respectively. Taken together, this study shows that integration of high-density corn planting with dicamba is a cost-effective tool for controlling A. palmeri. However, resistance mitigation and a season-long control of this species cannot be achieved without the integration of other more diversified and robust strategies that include the use of preemergence fb postemergence herbicide programs that overlap residuals with cultural, biological, and mechanical weed control tactics.

European stakeholders' perspectives on implementation potential of precision weed control: the case of autonomous vehicles with laser treatment.

Weed control is a basic agricultural practice, typically achieved through herbicides and mechanical weeders. Because of the negative environmental impacts of these tools, alternative solutions are being developed and adopted worldwide. Following recent technical developments, an autonomous laser-based weeding system (ALWS) now offers a possible solution for sustainable weed control. However, beyond recent proof of performance, little is known about the adoption potential of such a system. This study assesses the adoption potential of ALWS, using a mixed-method approach. First, six macro-environmental factors regarding the adoption of ALWS were determined. This assessment is referred to as a Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental (PESTLE) analysis and is conducted in a form of a literature review initiated by expert consultations. Second, a range of European stakeholders' perceptions of ALWS was evaluated in four focus-group discussions (n = 55), using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis. The factors identified in the PESTLE and SWOT analyses were subsequently merged to provide a comprehensive overview of the adoption potential of ALWS. Labour reduction, precision treatment and environmental sustainability were found to be the most important advantages of ALWS. High costs and performance uncertainty were identified as the main weaknesses. To promote the adoption of ALWS, this study recommends the following: (1) Concrete performance results, both technical and economic, should be communicated to farmers. (2) Farmers' knowledge of precision agriculture should be improved. (3) Advantage should be taken of policies that are favourable towards non-chemical methods and the high demand for organic products. This article also extensively discusses regulatory barriers, the risks posed to the safety of both humans and the machines involved, technological challenges and requirements, and policy recommendations related to ALWS adoption.

Influence of Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Aerobic Rice

The present field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different chemical and non-chemical weed management practices on aerobic rice. The experiment was carried out at the Wetlands Farm of the Department of Farm Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India. Pre emergence (PE) application of pendimethalin (1.0 kg ha-1), EPOE of bispyribac sodium (25 g ha-1) and EPOE of chlorimuron ethyl + metsulfuron methyl (4 g ha-1) were the chemical weed management practices. Daincha intercropping (1:1) fb spreading on 30DAS, Cowpea intercropping (1:1) fb spreading on 30DAS, Coir pith mulching (5 tons ha-1) on 3 DAS, Shredded coconut waste mulching (5 tons ha-1) on 3 DAS along with the combination of mechanical and hand weeding were the non chemical weed management practices. Pre emergence (PE) application of pendimethalin (1.0 kg ha-1) on 3 DAS fb Early post emergence (EPOE) application of bispyribac sodium (25 g ha-1) on 20 DAS recorded significantly higher growth and yield attributes. Sequential application of pendimethalin and bispyribac sodium recorded 4128 kg ha-1 grain yield which was nearly 60 per cent increased over the weedy check. Coir pith mulching @ 5 tons ha-1 on 3 DAS recorded significantly lower grain yield (1840 kg ha-1) over the rest of the treatments.

Design and Development of an e-Powered Inter Row Weeder for Small Farm Mechanization

Mechanical weed control has become a more efficient and economical method over the past few years. This study presents the concept of an e-power source and a weeding mechanism to carry out the weeding operations in crop rows with a spacing of 30 cm. An e-powered mechanical inter-row weeder was designed, developed, and evaluated for sandy loam soil conditions. The result indicates that the speed of operation and weeding drum diameter significantly affected the power consumption and weeding efficiency at 1% and 5% significance levels. The average weeding efficiency, field capacity, field efficiency, and plant damage were observed as 91.68%, 0.049 ha/h, and 3.18% at the operating speed of 3 km/h. The average power consumption of the weeder was observed as 189 W. The field capacity of the developed weeder was observed to be 3–4 times more than the wheel hoe, leading to a reduction in the required manpower and cost of operations. The weeding mechanism with a combination of drum and tool reduces the chances of weed escape and enhances the weeding efficiency. Moreover, the e-drive system of the weeder significantly reduces vibration leading to improved work efficiency of the operator. Overall, the developed e-powered weeder has the potential to be an effective tool for small-scale farmers to carry out their weeding operations with less drudgery and higher efficiency.

Study of Effective Promotional Tools for Enhancing the Use of Pre- Emergence Herbicide in Paddy Crop

The article on title “Study of effective Promotional Tools for enhancing the use of Pre-Emergence Herbicide in Paddy Crop” was carried out under the guidance of Dr. NITIN BARKER. Paddy (Oryza sativa) is the major staple food for a large population of world’s population especially in South and East Asia, 65% of the India’s population major staple food is rice. Rice is an important source of food worldwide. However, the growth of weeds in paddy fields pose a major biological threat to higher rice productivity and quality. Weeds have many variable characteristics compared to the crop for examples lack of seed dormancy, uniform growth and high yields. Thus, weeds tend to show larger potential capacity to adapt to stress (e.g., climate change) than crop plants. Consequently, effective management of weed is a vital pre-requisite notable production of rice. For instance, if crop losses of approximately 10–20 % are recovered through effective weed management with the use of appropriate herbicides, there will be additional yield of 0.3–0.6 t/ha. Different weed management practices were studied in paddy in present study were bensulfuron methyl 60 g + 600 g a.i ha-1 as pre emergence followed by mechanical weeding at 30 DAS/T, bispyribac sodium @ 25 g a.i ha-1, farmer’s practice and weedy check. among weed management practices, pre emergence application of bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor mixture followed by mechanical weeding at 30 DAS/T resulted in higher B:C ratio compared to other methods of weed control. Finally, it could be concluded that there are good opportunities for Herbicide (Stilleto) to create a market space in the study area. The company need to focus on certain factors like farmer’s expectations, field demonstrations and creating awareness in the study area.

Uncovering the use and impact of mechanical weed control articles: A citation content analysis

AbstractThis study investigated the extent to which seven papers on mechanical weed control have been cited, understood and utilised in subsequent publications. Web of Science was used to identify the citing publications, and citation content analysis was conducted to investigate the cognitive links between the citing and cited publications. Cognition involves acquiring, understanding, and using knowledge. Citation of the seven publications in 305 publications was classified, and it was found that perfunctory citations (those that were routinely referenced, with little effort to understand or use content) accounted for 53% of all citations and 16% of the citing articles included citations that were not supported by the references. The most striking finding was that key content was rarely used in articles, despite being referenced in 42% of the published articles. It is recommended that more time be allocated by authors to understanding literature, as this would appear to be a matter of diminishing concern for the scientific community. For those who assume their research area has a better citation practice than found in this study, it is recommended that authors conduct a citation content analysis within their own research area to increase the focus on good literature practices.