Flaming as an Alternative Weed Control Method for Conventional and Organic Agronomic Crop Production Systems

Soybean yield and yield components as influenced by the single and repeated flaming

“…However, the ability of flame weeding alone to control weed populations for the entire growing season or perhaps until the canopy closure, has not been well established. Moreover, weeds also have a varied level of response to flaming, with grasses being more difficult to control than broadleaf species (Ascard, 1994;Ulloa et al, 2010a,b;Datta and Knezevic, 2013). More than one flame weeding operation, therefore, might be required to obtain longer season weed control in soybean.…”

“…There are a few organically approved herbicides that can be used in organic production, but they are costly and non-selective, thus can cause crop injury (Datta and Knezevic, 2013). Mechanical cultivation and hand weeding are, therefore, the most preferred choices for weed control by organic producers.…”

Density effect and economic threshold of Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus Houtt.) in wheat

“…One alternative is to reduce herbicide application and only spray over weed areas, but this exceeds the economic threshold (ET) (Gerhards and Christensen, 2003;Christensen et al, 2009;Jeschke et al, 2011;Berge et al, 2012). Another option is to use mechanical control, but the ET is still applicable (Van Der Weide et al, 2008;Datta and Knezevic, 2013).…”

Design specifications of a heat applicator weed controller device for family farms

“…The propane gas used to control them, can be adopted as an alternative to chemical control, once complaints about residual effects on the soil, water and food quality have been addressed. Moreover, it can reduce the use of herbicides, manual cleaning and/or mechanical cultivation (DATTA & KNEZEVIC, 2013).…”