Flame On

摘要

Using a propane flame to kill weeds can be a viable option for growers looking to reduce chemical use. FOR growers looking for new ways to control weeds, a propane torch might be just the tool to add to your arsenal. Thermal weed control — or eliminating weeds with a propane flamer — can be a viable option for controlling weeds. Flame weeders are typically placed on tractors, and the flames shoot toward the base of the crop, burning just the weeds. Flaming, which is often used in organic production, is less labor-intensive than hand weeding, according to Doug Doohan, a professor in the department of horticulture and crop science at the Ohio State University. In a study Doohan and his colleagues conducted of flaming in cabbage and tomato crops, they found that flame treatment was more effective in the morning. The extra moisture early in the day helps to transfer the flame's heat. The ideal temperature to reach was between 140°F and 160°F.