An alternative weed control technology using high voltage electricity through special stainless steel applicators will appear in the UK this year.

Speaking at a Cereals event, John Downs of AgXtend, a member of Case New Holland, explained that the latest digital herbicide solution, XPower, uses electricity to pulsate plants and destroy their cell walls.

“This type of use of electricity for weed control is unique. It destroys the cell structure and vascular bundles of the plant within a split second after contact with the weed, drying it down to the roots at a depth of 15 centimeters, ”he said.

The company's first offer in the UK will be a 3 m wide dehumidifier service offered by trained professionals and already in use in Europe.

The tractor-mounted system is based on a closed target electrical circuit that uses 7000V to destroy the weeds with which it comes into contact.

“When you process, it doesn't matter what size the weeds are, or what temperature. There are also no requirements for resistance or management, or any residues to worry about, the biodiversity of the system remains untouched, ”said a company representative.

"Given some uncertainty associated with the future of glyphosate and pressure on the use of chemicals, this is very timely," summed up John Downes.