With problem weeds darkness
Pregnancy Test for Herbicide Resistance
Herbicide resistance in the problem weed black-grass is a major problem in the UK. In the Netherlands, it mainly takes place in the Oldambt region, where wheat is grown intensively. British scientists have developed a 'pregnancy test' to test resistance in the field.
Researchers from Newcastle University, Rothamsted Research and commercial partner Mologic are conducting research into the development of herbicide resistance. Especially with the grass type dusky. A real plague in the land. That writes Farmer's Weekly.
'A plant that develops resistance produces certain proteins in higher concentrations,' explains researcher Paul Neve. “What the test does is detect these high levels. We know that when levels rise to a certain height, the plant is, on average, resistant to herbicides. Think of it like a pregnancy test.'
The test kit is still in a testing phase. It is a prototype. With the final commercial product, arable farmers and crop consultants must be able to go into the field to reveal resistance. The collaborating parties presented their invention on 11 January during a meeting of the Association of Independent Crop Consultants (AICC).
'The idea is that every information officer has a number of test kits in his pocket. When you make a weed control plan at the start of the season, you can quickly carry out a test to determine the resistance status,' says Neve. 'The test will give you a definite answer in ten minutes.' The technique comes from partner Mologic, who applies it in the medical world. This makes it very similar to a pregnancy test.
Another idea the researchers have is the development of a 'seed vacuum cleaner' after the blackbird has spread. Neve: 'A speculative idea, but several people have asked about it. After the grain harvest, a lot of barley seed remains on the ground. Arable farmers wonder whether this can be absorbed. However, the idea is in its infancy.'
Niels van der Boom
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