Looking for a new way to tackle tough weeds? Join experts and producers at UNL’s annual Flame Weeding Workshop this September to see how flame weeding is helping both organic and conventional growers take control — without chemicals.
The Nebraska Flame Weeding Workshop will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead, Nebraska.
Stevan Knezevic, professor of agronomy and horticulture specializing in weed science, and George Gogos, professor of mechanical engineering, and their teams will present results from more than 15 years of research. This work is also documented in over 20 scientific publications, 100-plus abstracts presented at many regional, national and international meetings, and a patent for flaming equipment.
Participants will learn how to properly flame all major Midwestern weeds in eight agronomic crops — field corn, sweet corn, popcorn, soybean, sorghum, alfalfa, sunflower and wheat.
Propane-fueled flame weeding is an acceptable method for weed and pest control in organic farming. It is also gaining interest among conventional producers due to the increase in weed resistance and costs of GMO crop seeds.
Propane doses for weed control and crop tolerance data will be presented. Four row flamers with patented hoods for broadcast and banded flaming will be demonstrated along with flaming treatments applied at several crop growth stages in corn and soybean.
Several local organic farmers will share their experience with flame weeding on their farms.
Workshop is limited to 40 people. Cost is $150, which includes the Flame Weeding Manual and other workshop materials. Lunch is also provided.
Program agenda:
- 9:30 – 10 a.m.: Registration
- 10 – 10:10 a.m.: Introductions and overview of the program (Knezevic)
- 10:10 – 10:30 a.m.: Basics of Flame Weeding and Equipment (Knezevic)
- 10:30 – 11 a.m.: Development of flaming hoods and torches (Gogos/Chris Bruening, Ph.D.)
- 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Field demonstration of flame weeding equipment and procedures (Gogos and Bruening)
- 12:30 – 1 p.m.: Lunch (Provided)
- 1 – 1:30 p.m.: Propane dose response for weed control (Knezevic)
- 1:30 – 2 p.m.: Crop tolerance to single and multiple flaming (Knezevic)
- 2 – 2:30 p.m.: Time of day impacts flame weeding (Knezevic)
- 2:30 – 3 p.m.: Flame weeding and cultivation in corn and soybean (Knezevic)
- 3– 3:30 p.m.: Experience from local producers (Randy Fendrich and Larry Stanislav)
- 4 – 5 p.m.: Revisit fields, questions and discussion
- 5 p.m.: Adjourn
Please register online by Wednesday, Sept. 3. Directions to the site, accommodation information and a video about the university’s flame weeding research is available on the Flame Weeding Workshop page.
For more information, contact Stevan Knezevic at (402) 472-6498. For registration information, contact Connie Hansen at (402) 472-8747.
