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New research searches for most effective crop desiccation techniques

Common crop desiccation techniques being tested at the AgTech Centre will set the stage for more effective strategies for crop producers.

“Crop desiccation has become increasingly important as a crop management tool,” says Brian Storozynsky, project manager at Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development’s AgTech Centre. “It’s a means of managing crop quality, provides new options in pre-harvest weed control and improves general harvest management. But, the many developments in technology means there are many questions about the most effective approach to desiccation.”

Researchers are testing different sprayer technologies and different water and herbicide application rates to determine which options lead to the greatest herbicide efficacy. The studies on potatoes are part of a larger research effort that involves two types of canola, as well as barley, wheat and beans. Ultimately, the research will answer the most common questions about crop desiccation for a variety of crops.

Preliminary results from the research trials with potatoes have provided some hints on best desiccation strategies.

Herbicide manufacturers have water use recommendations when using their products as desiccants for various crops, says Storozynsky. But, those recommendations may not ultimately be the most effective. For example, the recent research shows more water isn’t necessarily better.

“A commonly suggested amount is 20 to 40 gallons of water per acre, for desiccating potatoes,” says Storozynsky. “But our trials have shown that coverage with a high water rate doesn’t necessarily translate to greater effectiveness. The most effective water rate may actually be as low as five gallons per acre.”

Sprayer technology also has an impact on desiccation. The current project compares the effectiveness of seven different sprayer treatments.

Along with water rate, another important factor is uniform coverage, says Storozynsky. In terms of which sprayer leads to the most effective desiccation, the results have been surprising.

“In our potato crop trials, we thought that certain sprayers would provide better desiccation results because they would open up the heavy canopy, providing extra coverage and penetration,” he says. “But so far, we’ve actually determined that the type of sprayer used is insignificant. As long as crops are covered uniformly, with the right amount of water, producers should get effective crop desiccation.”

Storozynsky hopes this year’s test results will give solid conclusions about the initial findings on desiccation. For the past two years, poor growing conditions have made it difficult to test the early, preliminary results from three years ago.

“These results will help producers implement effective crop desiccation strategies,” says Storozynsky. “In the future we’d also like to address the increasingly common practice of pre-harvest desiccant use.”

The AgTech Centre has a mandate to seek out technologically advanced approaches to production to strengthen the sustainability of the agriculture industry.

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