For the first time ever, herbicides in capsules were presented

Australian scientists offer an innovative method of using herbicide in capsules. A new herbicide control system could revolutionize the control of invasive weeds in agriculture, World of NAN reports, citing phys.org.

PhD candidate Amelia Limbongan of the University of Queensland's School of Agriculture and Food Sciences says the proposed method is highly effective against a wide range of weeds that pose a serious threat to farms and livestock grazing systems.

"Tree weeds, such as the mimosa bush, inhibit pasture growth, impede grazing and cause physical and financial damage to animals and property," the expert says.

According to Professor Victor Galea, InJecta's mechanical applicator is used to work with the pods. It drills a hole in the stem of a woody weed and implants a soluble capsule containing a dry herbicide, then seals the capsule in the stem with a wooden plug. The herbicide dissolves in the juice of the plant and kills the weed from within, and due to the small amount of herbicide in each capsule, there is no leakage.

Thus, the new method is safer and more effective than spraying herbicides over large areas, which negatively affects the health of workers and the environment. The portability and convenience of the system, combined with its proven effectiveness and safety, means that encapsulated herbicide can be used in a variety of environments around the world.

"This method saves herbicides by 30% and time for farmers, and arborists. We've already seen several professional operators and boards adopt the new approach," the scientists said.

Another reason the capsule system is so useful, they said, is that it protects non-target plants, which are often damaged by accidental contact with traditional methods such as spraying.

Researchers are now continuing to test the capsule method on other types of weeds.

"One of the products tested in this research paper, Di-Bak G-glyphosate, is already being sold in Australia along with fertilizer equipment and is available in farm supply stores across the country," Professor Galea reported.

Three more products are being prepared for registration. The scientists intend to expand the range of products over time.

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