Fennimore is also working with a self-propelled machine that can steam- treat a band along the seed line in beds that are 40,42, 80 or 84 inches wide. Other researchers at the meeting shared other new technology that may help vegeta- ble growers achieve better weed control with reduced reliance on chemical herbicides. Spinach growers, who face the chal- lenge of removing weeds in beds planted so densely they create a carpet of spinach, may also benefit. A laser reduced spinach weeds by 80% to 85%,” Fennimore said. The laser machine uses cameras and software to distinguish small weeds from young vegetable seedlings and removes the weeds with precisely targeted lasers, he added. In another experiment, researchers said releasing beneficial insects from drones shows promising results to help manage thrips. The beneficial insects are applied using drones equipped with cylinders that release the small insects uniformly as the drone makes passes across the field. Use of drones can save money and im- prove uniformity compared to releasing the beneficials by hand while slowly walk- ing across the field. Western flower thrips are a threat to let- tuce because after the tiny insects feed on a Technology Continued from Page 6
In a trial conducted by University of California researchers, a drone releases beneficial insects over a vegetable applications have been used to manage thrips, which can spread the impatiens necrotic spot virus in lettuce. field in Monterey County. The aerial
plant infected with impatiens necrotic spot virus, they can transmit the destructive dis- ease to other plants they feed on. “These drones have cylinders that rotate and release green lacewings and predato- ry mites,” said Addie Abrams, a UC Davis postgraduate researcher in the lab of UCCE entomology specialist Ian Grettenberger. “We released them in insectary or noncrop areas. The data will be available soon.”
UC researchers noted that precision ap- plicators show promise. Putting the mate- rial directly on small plants improves tar- geted insecticide use while maintaining pest control. “A precision sprayer only applies the spray in a targeted band,” Abrams said. “This technology allows us to concentrate product on the plant.” Precision technology has been tested
with systemic materials used to control aphids that are taken up by young let- tuce plants. Seedlings in the studies were treated with insecticides spirotetramat or Movento, and thiamethoxam or Mentara, which are taken up by the plant to provide long-term aphid control. (Bob Johnson is a reporter in Monterey County. He may be contacted at bjohn11135@gmail.com.)
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