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

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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.