Polymeric Film Providing a Novel Method for Post-Emergent Weed Control
Outdoor field trials have been conducted to reduce this invention to practice. In these trials, weed establishment was reduced by 85% to 100%. The researchers are pursuing additional funding to expand their scientific understanding and to support additional field trials. Given the non-chemical nature of this invention, the inventors do not anticipate regulatory hurdles that would inhibit commercialization. In addition, the inventors anticipate that individual growers could introduce the use of photoselective film on a limited basis, and thus cost, in order to confirm independently the effectiveness of this method for controlling this class of weeds.
BACKGROUND:The general public is becoming increasingly concerned with the use of chemicals in the food production process because chemicals pose significant risks to workers, consumers, and the environment. The increased demand for non-invasive chemical-free alternatives for weed control is perceived in all areas of agricultural production, and particularly within the organic vegetable market. Non-chemical methods like light spectral manipulation offer a promising solution for controlling agricultural pests and diseases. For example, photoselective greenhouse covers and shade materials can be used in place of chemicals to create conditions that are unfavorable to specific greenhouse pests, which allow growers to reduce pesticide use and maintain lower operating costs. Recently, researchers have discovered that a particularly devastating class of agricultural weedsΓÇöwhich invade dozens of crop species in over 60 countries and can reduce crop yields by 50% or moreΓÇöcan also be controlled using light spectral manipulation methods. INVENTION DESCRIPTION:The invention uses light spectral manipulation as a novel defense method to control a particular class of agricultural weeds. The light spectral manipulation method is achieved through the use of specialty photoselective polymeric films, which filter sunlight around the infested crop to create an environment that is unfavorable for weed growth while minimizing effects on crop plants. The inventors envision the polymeric film could be deployed as a row cover, high tunnel or soil sterilization covering to treat widespread weed infestations, or as a small canopy to treat localized weed infestations. Application of the reusable photoselective film can be initiated prior to and throughout the germination stage of the weeds. The duration of the non-chemical treatment is finite and represents a fraction of time at the beginning of the growing season, which minimizes the long-term effects on crop plants.
美國
