Placing some freshly picked nettles on a plate, Graham Brodie of Australia’s University of Melbourne closes the door to a microwave oven and hits start. There’s some popping and spluttering, and a bit of steam. In 30 seconds everything stops; the weeds lie limp on the plate.
Device microwaves, kills weeds
1 of 3
Graham Brodie of Australia's University of Melbourne inspects an applicator that confines microwave energy closely to its surface. Brodie's invention is being tested to kill weeds over large areas, such as crop fields.
Microwaves from an applicator can reach about 2 inches below-ground so some larger organic material can be affected. But because the depths microwaves can penetrate are limited, overall damage isn’t bad, according to Graham Brodie, inventor of the weed-control technology.
Most Popular
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Division of Food and Recreational Safety was the focus for the most r…
Academy honors graduating dairy farmers, industry professionals