Interest and requirement for alternative weed control options in arable rotations is increasing due to herbicide resistance reducing control, a lack on new herbicide options being available and farmers wanting to reduce pesticide inputs. Laser weeding requires the use of a machine (either tractor mounted or robotic) with cameras to detect weeds between crop rows and then controls them directly by a focused laser beam (thermal control) in real time. This weed control solution requires high-tech equipment that is well suited to high value wide row spaced crops such as field vegetables. It does not require the use of pesticides and could be adapted to autonomous robotic systems to reduce time and labour inputs. There is an increase in new equipment available and it is an up-and-coming area of interest. However, there is currently no equipment available in the UK for inter-row weeding in arable crops.
Document no: 12. UK_PA_BS04_laser weed arable_EN
