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New technologies could help control herbicide-resistant weeds
New technology at this year’s Nebraska Ag Expo could help farmers better manage herbicide-resistant weeds.
Dave Button of Kansas-based Row Shaver says his products cut weeds that grow between or over any type of crop, much like a shredder or mower. “It works very well with a pre-emerge program. The GMO products that we have today are getting weaker with the herbicide resistance that we are seeing in weeds.”
He tells Brownfield that the attachment can be attached to the sprayer, rake, tractor and detasseler and may require a few passes during the growing season. “We’re trying to get rid of the seeds that these plants can produce, which can cause you problems later on. If we can continue to eliminate the resistance germs, we can make our GMO products last much, much longer.”
According to Button, it can be less expensive than spraying multiple times. “If you look at most spraying work, you’re talking anywhere near $50 to $60 an acre. I can run both engines for about 3 gallons per hour.”
He says the row shaver and row trimmer can be swapped out for a spray boom in less than an hour.
David Button:
