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Herbicides
represent a major and continuing input to preserve crop
production potential.
Most
cropland applications are not targeted specifically to the
weed, but instead are made broadcast to the entire field
due to equipment constraints. As a result, more herbicide
is applied than is necessary to effectively control weeds.
New
technology is now available that allows for automatic spot
spraying of intermittent weeds. The WeedSeeker (automatic
spot sprayer) uses advanced optics and computer circuitry
to sense if a weed is present. When a weed enters the sight
of its sensor unit, it signals a spray nozzle to deliver
a precise amount of herbicide.
The
purpose of this project was to determine the effectiveness
of the WeedSeeker Sprayer in controlling weeds in sorghum
and to determine how much less herbicide would be used compared
to traditional applications.
In
1998 a three year study was initiated to examine the long
term effectiveness of the WeedSeeker Sprayer in controlling
field bindweed in sorghum. WeedSeeker
treatments included Paramount, Paramount + Banvel, Landmaster,
and Banvel.
These
were compared to conventional broadcast treatments of Paramount,
Paramount + Banvel, 2,4-D LV6, and Banvel.
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In
the first and second year control
with the Weedseeker Sprayer was not as good as a the broadcast
over-the-top applications.
However, after three years of treatments there
was little difference in control between the conventional
and WeedSeeker application methods.
In
2000 additional studies comparing the effectiveness of the
WeedSeeker Sprayer to both conventional pre and post treatments
typically used in sorghum were conducted at the Texas Agricultural
Experiment Stations near Bushland and Etter, Texas.
Roundup was used as the herbicide in the WeedSeeker Sprayer.
All treatments showed good control of both broadleaf and
grass weeds.
The
WeedSeeker Sprayer demonstrated slightly less control when
used alone compared to the conventional broadcast pre and
post treatments, however, control was increased when used
in combination with a banded pre treatment.
Total herbicide used was significantly
reduced with the WeedSeeker Sprayer compared to the broadcast
treatments.
Studies
comparing the use of the WeedSeeker Sprayer to conventional
weed control system in sorghum will continue in 2001.
Efforts will be made to examine the effectiveness and potential
cost savings in herbicide used with the WeedSeeker Sprayer
in sorghum fields with different levels of weed pressure.
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