In part two of this special weed management series, hosts Dave and Seth shift their focus from the chemistry of weed control to the cutting-edge application technologies revolutionizing the field. They discussed with Doctors Peters and Sarangi how artificial intelligence, robotics, and precision herbicide application equipment are changing the way growers target and eliminate weeds. From laser-wielding robots to high-voltage currents and the latest advancements from major equipment manufacturers, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the high-tech tools available to optimize crop management, improve efficiency, and reduce overall chemical usage.

Key Topics Covered:

• Smart Sprayers and Camera Tech: The group discussed camera-based smart spray technology that accurately identifies weeds and directs herbicide application. They discuss the opportunities for this new technology for row-crop farmers.
• Robotic and Drone Applications: An introductory discussion about how targeted applications kill weeds by applying chemicals only where they grow, including a look at autonomous robotic sprayers running long hours in the field and the current capabilities (and limitations) of agricultural drones.
• High-Voltage Weed Control: An exploration into how high-voltage currents use resistive heating to rupture plant cells as the charge passes through, effectively killing the weed or severely suppressing its growth.
• AI and Laser Weeding: Discussion also about artificial intelligence and computer vision identify crops and target weeds, using lasers to burn them away without damaging the crop.

In this episode of Minnesota CropCast, hosts Dave and Seth welcome two Extension Weed Specialists: Dr. Tom Peters (NDSU and U of MN Sugarbeet Weed Extension Specialist) and Dr. Debalin Sarangi (U of MN Extension Weed Specialist for corn and soybeans). Together, they dive into the latest field crop herbicides and modes of action available for the 2026 season and beyond, offering advice on managing some of the state's toughest weed challenges.

Key Topics Covered:

• Tackling Problem Weeds: The group discusses targeted strategies for controlling aggressive, yield-robbing weeds like waterhemp and giant ragweed in corn, soybean, and sugarbeet systems.
• The Power of Multiple Sites of Action: Drs. Peters and Sarangi share research results demonstrating that pre-emergence (PRE) herbicides containing two or three sites of action deliver greater, more consistent control and biomass reduction of waterhemp and giant ragweed compared to single-site PRE options.
  • Herbicide Updates: including -- Convintro (group 12; Bayer), Liberty Ultra 1.76SL (glufosinate [Liberty]; group 10; BASF), Rapidicil 0.46EC (epyrifenacil; group 14; Valent), and Rimisoxafen (Groups 12 and 32; FMC)
• Proactive Resistance Management: The group also discussed how applying robust PRE herbicides lowers the overall risk of developing herbicide resistance and buys growers valuable flexibility for post-emergence application timing.
• Application Best Practices: The Specialists reviewed some critical best management practices for applying dicamba and glufosinate post-emergence. They detailed how to achieve optimal weed control while safely avoiding off-target movement and preventing further resistance development.

Please join us for episode #59 of MN CropCast. In this episode, Dave and Seth are diving deep into the DNA of the plants that feed us, and we are thrilled to sit down with Dr. Peter Morrell, a Professor of Computational Biology and Plant Genetics right here at the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Morrell has had a fascinating journey to the U of M. He grew up in southern Oklahoma, earned his Ph.D. back in 1997, and spent time researching genetics in the corporate world at Monsanto in St. Louis before officially joining the Minnesota faculty in 2009. Today, he is essentially a master codebreaker for plant DNA. As an evolutionary geneticist, Dr. Morrell uses big data and computer science to figure out exactly how wild plants evolved into the reliable crops we rely on today—specifically focusing on crops like barley, soybeans, and common beans. His lab looks at the genetic fingerprints left behind by breeders and farmers to understand how plants mix, match, and mutate their DNA to survive.

In fact, his work recently made waves in the journal Science. He co-authored a study on a mind-boggling, 100-year evolutionary experiment on barley, giving us an unprecedented, real-time look at how crops naturally adapt to their local environments over a century. On top of tracking what happens when farmed crops accidentally swap genetics with wild weeds, he also teaches a popular undergraduate course on the science and agronomy of marijuana, breaking down the complex biology of the plant for his students.

Join us for another Minnesota Crop Cast today.