Retrofit kit for combine harvesters uses light treatment to eliminate weed seeds
Controlling weeds is challenging enough, but the spread of their seeds during combining is becoming a significant issue. While existing weed seed mill attachments are effective, they typically require larger, more powerful combines. Now, a new solution has been developed that is compatible with smaller combines, offering an effective way to tackle this growing problem.
Weed seeds passing through combines and taking root in crop fields is one of the biggest issues arable farmers can face, but new technology is helping fight the battle.
Many weeds are becoming resistant to herbicides, and that, coupled with a global drive to reduce the use of chemicals on farms, has prompted fresh ideas from expert companies.
There are many optional extras like weed seed mill attachments that can be fitted to combines to obliterate the weed seeds as they are propelled out of the machine, but these have proven somewhat inefficient, and specially greedy for engine energy.
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New weed killer: blue light and heat
Now, thanks to a merger between Redekop and Global Neighbor Inc. (GNI), a novel method of destroying the unwanted weeds seeds has literally come to ‘light!’
Based in Ohio, GNI, is a startup company etching its way in advanced light technology for weed seed destruction. And Redekop, from Saskatoon in Canada, manufacturers a range of harvest residue management equipment.
The companies say their collaboration in producing the Weed Seed Destroyer (WSD) aims to bring groundbreaking weed seed destroying technology to the market. Jon Jackson, founder and president of GNI, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Redekop, a global leader in harvest technologies that enhance farm efficiency and profitability. “Redekop’s extensive experience and operational strength will expedite the commercialisation of our Weed Seed Destroyer, a complementary product to their existing offering.”
How it works
Basically, the WSD utilises innovative light energy to neutralise weed seeds collected during harvest, preventing their spread and reducing future weed issues.
GNI’s patented Directed Energy Flora Control (DEFC) technology is the key component which underpins this solution. The DEFC system has already garnered significant interest due to rising concerns over herbicide-resistant weeds and the growing popularity of organic farming.
For Redekop’s part, it will offer the WSD as a complement to their Seed Control Unit (SCU), bringing to market a comprehensive range of harvest weed seed control solutions for farmers. Trevor Thiessen, the president of Redekop, said: “The WSD is perfect for combines that we are not currently targeting, while our SCU will remain a fit for larger harvest equipment. “Together, we can provide a full range of products to meet diverse farming needs around the world,” he said.
Under the new cooperative agreement, GNI and Redekop will adapt the WSD for various combine models, including smaller ones not previously targeted.
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Initial sales expected in 2025
As currently designed, WSD’s cost-effectiveness and low-power usage of only 8hp makes it ideal for smaller combines of class 6 or 7 and below. The co-branded product will be marketed and installed through Redekop’s premier dealer network, with initial sales expected in 2025 following field trials.
GNIs says it is dedicated to reducing chemical use in home and farm environments. Supported by the US Air Force and the USDA Small Business Innovation Research programs, their Directed Energy technology was first commercialised as a handheld weed destroyer for home and garden use.
Tested on eight different types of weed
Now, GNI is focused on tackling herbicide-resistant weeds and lowering labour costs in agriculture. Partnering with AgLaunch, a national agtech entrepreneurial support organisation, GNI conducted two years of farm trials through the AgLaunch Farmer Network, proving the concept and refining their product.
Jon Jackson added: “Multiple universities in the US and elsewhere have tested our technology on eight different types of weed seeds with particular interest in palmer amaranth and rye grass types (Italian, annual, and others). They have observed efficacy in the high 90% range. Field testing has been performed, but the details are not yet disclosed publicly.
“For 2025 we are planning to expand our testing with plans for a limited release in 2026. Farmers interested in being involved in the 2025 testing season can contact Redekop Manufacturing for more details.”
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Redekop on over 25,000 combine harvesters
Redekop Manufacturing Ltd is an award-winning developer and distributor of innovative agricultural equipment technologies that reduce labour and improve farm profitability. Redekop partners with equipment manufacturers to develop value-focused residue management and crop production technologies.
Dean Mayerle, Chief Technology Officer of Redekop, added: “Our close working relationship over the past two years has highlighted the synergy between Redekop’s engineering expertise and GNI’s technology. We are excited to deepen our collaboration with this agreement.” Redekop says it uses state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies to produce high-quality, dependable products for customers worldwide.
The company is a major player in producing straw chopper technology to combine manufacturers and has placed Redekop technology on over 25,000 combine harvesters worldwide. In fact, Redekop straw and chaff management technology is now standard equipment on many new combine models.
As a manufacturer of straw chopper upgrades for combines, Redekop has developed the Maximum Air Velocity (MAV) technology for superior residue management. The MAV technology surpasses any other product on the market today, achieving the widest spread and finest cut available. The MAV chopper rotor is available to upgrade the performance of many original equipment choppers.
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