The weed control group is developing technology for weed control and prevention of invasion into farmland. Research and development is carried out at the Tsukuba Research Station, the Fukushima Research Station, and the Fukuyama Research Station.
So far, we have clarified the characteristics of the phytotoxicity and efficacy of a new herbicide, fluthiacet-methyl, against morning glory (Ipomoea spp.) and wild cape gooseberry (Physalis spp.), that are difficult to control in soybean cultivation. We have also developed a comprehensive control technology for difficult to control weeds using Fluthiacet-methyl as the core of the new herbicide and conducted field trials in cooperation with related prefectures. Based on the results, we have prepared and improved a technology manual. In order to respond to nationwide needs for the weedy rice, we have clarified the genetic characteristics and ecological characteristics necessary for the control of weedy rice that occurs nationwide. We presented the factors necessary for the cost reduction of weedy rice management technology in transplantation cultivation. We transferred the technology to damaged areas and verified the applicability of the two-agent system of herbicides and the effect of autumn plowing on the reduction of buried seeds.
At present, we are working on the prevention noxious weed invasion through development of weed risk assessment of non-invasive alien plants and a weed diagnosis and identification system using AI, and also on development of integrated weed management for difficult-to-control weeds.
