The project will be a comparison of weed electrocution as part of an integrated weed management program compared to a second, non-chemical treatment. The work will address questions pertaining to overall effectiveness of weed electrocution on common weed species; effects of weed density; and effects of tractor speed. For weed electrocution treatments, the Annihilator 6R30 Weed Zapper will be utilized. The University of Missouri weed science program recently purchased this machine with funding provided by the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council. The group is willing to transport the machine to multiple sites within the North Central region for a more comprehensive analysis if funding can be secured. A second non-chemical treatment will be included at each location as a comparison to better evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the Weed Zapper. The comparative treatment will be selected by the investigator at each location and options include in-row cultivation, hand weeding, windrow burning, weed seed grinding mills, among others. Additional locations for this research include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. The size of the research project and weed species targeted will vary by location based on available equipment and predominant weeds at each site. Proposed species include Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, giant ragweed, Marestail, common lambsquarters, and velvetleaf. The target stage for electrocution treatment will be once the majority of the weed species of interest has emerged through the soybean canopy and prior to weed seed set.

To evaluate weed electrocution as a method of preventing weed seed production for some of the most common weeds encountered in Midwest soybean production systems.

FY21
Research will be initiated in the 2021 growing season. Preliminary data generated will be summarized and presented at winter extension meetings. Video demonstrations of the technology will be posted on social media outlets.

FY22
Research will be completed following the 2022 growing season. Data will be summarized and shared with appropriate extension outlets as listed in FY21. Additionally, data will be shared at technical meetings, and a technical research paper is planned following conclusion of the study.

Updated March 26, 2021:
We have distributed our field research protocol for the 2021 season to all participating universities. All locations are planning out their field trials accordingly. Over the course of the next month or so, soybean planting will begin at some locations.

Updated October 21, 2021:
All field trials were conducted during the 2021 growing season at the participating locations. The Weed Zapper was transported to all the participating states at the appropriate times during the growing season and the electrocution treatments were applied. Each cooperator has been conducting weed control evaluations since this time and we are now waiting on soybean harvest to occur at each of the locations. We will be gathering data from each of the participating locations and summarizing all of the 2021 results soon.

Updated October 21, 2021:

Weeds with multiple herbicide resistances and a lack of new chemistries have resulted in the necessity to integrate non-chemical methods with herbicides for the most effective weed management programs. Yet there remain many questions about the efficacy and efficiency of non-chemical methods as viable weed management options for U.S. soybean producers. Research is lacking on whether weed electrocution is a feasible and effective option for conventional soybean producers in the North Central region.