The conversation spans a range of timely topics, including:

Current spring challenges: Wet and cool weather, delayed fieldwork, and management of early-season weeds like purple dead nettle and henbit dead nettle.

Pigweed pressure: Insights on Palmer amaranth and waterhemp control, stressing the importance of residual herbicides and overlapping applications.

Technology and weed control: Evaluation of drone and robotics use for herbicide applications, from current capabilities to regulatory considerations and five-to-ten-year outlooks.

Site-specific approaches: Variable-rate herbicide management, precision sprayers, and the foundational work needed to make those systems viable in the future.

Alternative application opportunities: Use of drones in non-traditional ag settings such as power lines, solar farms, and rights-of-way.

Dr. Butts also shares his background in weed science across multiple states and cropping systems, and offers resources for growers to stay up to date with Purdue’s weed science research and recommendations.

Resources:
https://ipm.missouri.edu/croppest/2024/6/drones_and_herbicides-kb/ 

https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/purdueweedscience/