Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40555698›Full record

ArticlePest management science2025

Deep learning-based laser weed control compared to conventional herbicide application across three vegetable production systems.

Lynn M Sosnoskie, Kylie Bill, Aleah Butler-Jones, Wesley M Bouchelle, Thierry E Besançon

Abstract readComparative Study
In one paragraph

Article in Pest management science, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Lynn M SosnoskieSchool of Integrative Plant Sciences - Horticulture Section, Cornell AgriTech, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, NY, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1892-7934
Kylie BillDepartment of Environmental Science, American University, Washington, DC, USA.
Aleah Butler-JonesSchool of Integrative Plant Sciences - Horticulture Section, Cornell AgriTech, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, NY, USA.
Wesley M BouchelleDepartment of Plant Biology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
Thierry E BesançonDepartment of Plant Biology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0194-9675

Funding

New Jersey Agricultural Experiment StationNew York Statete Agriculture and MarketsNew York Vegetable Research Council and AssociationVegetable Growers Association of New Jersey
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundHerbicides are the primary weed management method for processing vegetable growers, but challenges such as limited chemical options, herbicide resistance, crop injury risks, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer preferences are driving interest in nonchemical alternatives like laser weeding. In 2024, three research trials in New Jersey and New York evaluated the effectiveness of laser weeding using a commercial unit and comparing it with pre-emergence- and postemergence-applied herbicides on beet (Beta vulgaris L.), spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), and pea (Pisum sativum L.).

resultsAcross all trials, laser weeding was as effective as or superior to S-metolachlor, bentazon and phenmedipham herbicides applied at label rate in controlling erect annual weeds, including common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) and common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.). However, laser weeding was less effective on purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) and annual grasses in New York because of sequential emergence patterns and protected meristems, respectively. Compared with untreated controls, laser weeding reduced weed cover by ≥45% and density by ≥66%, resulting in ≥97% less weed biomass by the season's end. In addition, crop stunting did not exceed 1% and crop biomass increased by ≥30% when laser weeding replaced herbicide applications.

conclusionsThese findings demonstrate that multiple laser passes can control weeds without damaging crops, leading to higher yields than conventional herbicides. Further research is needed to optimize laser weeding across different environments and weed species, and to evaluate commercial units with increased laser capacity and faster processing speeds. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Indexed as

HerbicidesLasersPlant WeedsWeed ControlBeta vulgarisNew JerseyNew YorkPisum sativumSpinacia oleraceaVegetablesHerbicidesintegrated weed managementlaser weedingnonchemical weed controlS‐metolachlorvegetable crops

Identifiers

PMID40555698
PMCPMC12268811

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.