2024 top 5: Most read articles on weed and pest control

Effective weed and pest control remains a cornerstone of successful farming, and 2024 brought significant advancements in this area. From precision technologies to sustainable practices, Future Farming readers were eager to learn about the latest solutions for protecting their crops.

In this article, we highlight the 5 most-read weed and pest control articles of the year, offering insights into the tools and strategies transforming crop management.

1. Bayer develops alternative to glyphosate herbicide

Bayer, the chemical conglomerate, announced its endeavor to develop an alternative to the controversial herbicide glyphosate, as recently disclosed by CEO Bill Anderson to the German newspaper ‘Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung’. Here’s what we know about this new product expected to hit the market by 2028.

Bayer develops alternative to glyphosate herbicide

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According to Bayer, the new ‘greener’ herbicide can be applied using the same spraying techniques as existing herbicides like glyphosate. - Photo: Van Assendelft Fotografie — According to Bayer, the new ‘greener’ herbicide can be applied using the same spraying techniques as existing herbicides like glyphosate. – Photo: Van Assendelft Fotografie

2. Niqo Robotics introduces spot spraying technology that fits any sprayer

Indian startup Niqo Robotics is on a mission to build reliable precision robots for sustainable agriculture. For the time being, the company is mainly focusing on the Indian market, where it is introducing AI-assisted spot spraying on a large scale.

Niqo Robotics introduces spot spraying technology that fits any sprayer

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According to Niqo Robotics, the farmers who have used the technology, reported up to 60% chemical cost savings in the early stages of spray without any compromise on efficacy. - Photo: Niqo Robotics — According to Niqo Robotics, the farmers who have used the technology, reported up to 60% chemical cost savings in the early stages of spray without any compromise on efficacy. – Photo: Niqo Robotics

3.Market seems to embrace the Ecorobotix ARA-spotsprayer

A machine manufacturer outside the established order, growing rapidly to a multimillion-dollar turnover with a new machine is extremely rare. Ecorobotix achieves this with its ARA spot sprayer based on AI weed recognition. With about 90 new deliveries just this spring alone, the mounted 6-meter-wide precision sprayer is an unprecedented success in the Netherlands.

Market seems to embrace the Ecorobotix ARA-spotsprayer

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The success of the Ecorobotix ARA spot sprayer is remarkable. Rarely has a newcomer established itself so quickly with a new machine in the Dutch market. - Photo: Jan Willem Schouten — The success of the Ecorobotix ARA spot sprayer is remarkable. Rarely has a newcomer established itself so quickly with a new machine in the Dutch market. – Photo: Jan Willem Schouten

4. Laser scarecrows: A potential solution to protect crops

Each year, crop growers experience significant economic losses due to crop damage by birds. In a recent study published in Pest Management Science, researchers highlight the effectiveness of laser scarecrows in reducing sweet corn damage by starling birds.

Laser scarecrows: A potential solution to protect crops

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Traditional scarecrow. - Photo: pixabay.com — Traditional scarecrow. – Photo: pixabay.com

5. Dutch company Homburg acquires Swedish Ekobot

Homburg has become the full owner of the Swedish company Ekobot. As of January 2024, Homburg was already the official importer of Ekobot in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Dutch company Homburg acquires Swedish Ekobot