Selective, autonomous weed control using sensors to direct microdroplets and lasers (Project Hyperweeding)

Weed control is becoming increasingly difficult due to herbicide resistant weeds and restriction of herbicides due to higher regulatory demands. In cereals, herbicide resistant blackgrass is a severe problem with no good solution and weed control in minor crops, such as vegetables, is now extremely problematic as older herbicides have been de-registered. There is an urgent need to examine alternative forms of weed control to allow growers to grow crops profitably. A consortium consisting of Syngenta, Harper Adams University, the University of Manchester and G's Fresh has been assembled to undertake a project that will deliver a system which will address these issues. The planned system integrates sensors for real-time crop and weed detection, with targeted micro-droplet application of non-selective herbicides or use of low-power lasers, to create a new and sustainable weed eradication technique. The technology platform will be applicable to all weeds in all crop types and will provide a step change in weed control for UK growers and a large export opportunity.