AAFC team employs innovative methods against Prairie weeds
By: Farms.com
In the heart of Canada's Prairie provinces, where agriculture forms the backbone of local economies, a team of researchers is tackling one of the biggest threats to crop health and productivity: invasive weeds.
These researchers, part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), are adopting a novel approach known as integrated weed management to combat these pervasive plants.
The team, often referred to as the "Super Team," includes specialists like Julia Leeson and Charles Geddes.
Leeson, a weed monitoring biologist, surveys the fields to identify and track the most disruptive weeds, while Geddes focuses on combatting herbicide resistance, particularly in kochia, a tough weed known for its adaptability and resistance to traditional herbicides.
Kochia's resilience stems from its ability to produce tens of thousands of seeds per plant and its rapid adaptation to common weed control methods. Geddes' research aims to reverse this adaptability, potentially "turning back the clock" on its evolutionary gains to make it more manageable for farmers.
Another innovative strategy is being explored by Dr. Shaun Sharpe, who is testing the use of pyroligneous acid—a substance derived from burning plant materials, known colloquially as liquid smoke—to trick weed seeds into germinating at the wrong time.
By inducing early germination, these weeds can be eradicated by the frost before they have a chance to affect the next season's crops.
Dr. Breanne Tidemann is exploring harvest weed seed control, a tactic that targets weeds at the time of crop harvest to prevent the spread of seeds.
This involves using impact mills to crush weed seeds during the harvest, rendering them harmless. Tidemann's work not only focuses on proving the effectiveness of this method but also on making it more affordable for farmers.
These efforts are part of a broader movement within AAFC to develop new, sustainable weed management strategies that don't rely solely on chemical herbicides.
By understanding the lifecycle of weeds and employing a variety of control tactics, the Super Team is helping Canadian farmers protect their crops and maintain the health of their lands.
This collaborative project is a critical endeavour for Canadian agriculture, particularly in the Prairie provinces where farming is a crucial economic activity.
With the ongoing research and development of new weed control methods, Canadian farmers are better equipped to manage weeds effectively and sustainably, ensuring the continued success of the agricultural sector.