Few things are frustrating for farmers than when noxious weeds overwhelm their prized crops or hit the resistance snag. Any new way of tackling weeds is always welcome.
Nicolle Macdonald, a biologist researcher from Agri-Food Canada, has taken on the challenge in her new experiment in a bid to help PEI growers and came up with a technological marvel.
A machine named the Weed Zapper utilizes electricity to kill weeds, giving farmers a new alternative to herbicides.
How it Works
According to Macdonald, the power generator is mounted on the back of a tractor, while the zapping device is attached to the boom on the front of a tractor.
The generator is a power-off-driven machine which means it generates its own power — about 195,000 watts or more — to conduct the weeding sessions.
Especially fascinated by the few weed control options for late-summer crops like rutabagas, beets, potatoes, and carrots, Nicolle is convinced the Weed Zapper will offer an overdue solution.
For the best results, the height of the boom is raised 15 centimetres above the crop to avoid zapping the desirable crops.
The machine sends sparks that kill the weeds, and according to the biologist, the weeds often dry fast, with some starting to wilt in an hour.
What the Future Holds for the Weed Zapper
While the electric Weed Zapper has only begun its trials in Prince Edward Island, the biologist researcher is hopeful that the Zapper can support weed control and economic priorities for vegetable farmers in the area.
“It is especially a step in the right direction when considering ways to control weeds in crop systems. And especially with weeds, there are issues with herbicide resistance,” she adds.
Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.