Site Specific Weed Control in Winter Wheat

Abstract

Abstract Field experiments were conducted in two winter wheat fields to assess weed control and quantify the amount of herbicide applied with a GIS map‐based patch sprayer. Site specific weed management decisions were based on previously acquired weed distribution maps and an economic weed threshold model. A weed treatment map (on‐off) was generated and georeferenced to control the sprayer. A global positioning system was used to locate the sprayer in the field. In both fields, Alopecurus myos‐uroides was observed at low infestation levels, Galium aparine at medium infestation levels and the mean density for other broadleaf species exceeded 40 weed seedlings va‐ in both fields. Herbicide application was recommended for 58.3% of the first field and 54.6% of the second field. With the patch sprayer used for this study, 21% less herbicides were sprayed compared to an uniform broadcast application. Additional assessments of weed density in the first field 3 and 6 weeks after site specific weed control showed that almost the entire field was weed free. The results of this study demonstrated that site specific weed control was technically feasible but further investigations are needed to verify and evaluate site specific weed control methods.