Gippsland › Latest news › Southern Rural Water

Federation University and Southern Rural Water show UV-C kills submerged weeds, aiding herbicide-free Macalister irrigation management

Innovative research at Federation University demonstrates UV-C radiation ability to effectively eradicate submerged weeds in lab tests, offering a promising herbicide-free solution for managing irrigation in the Macalister district.

By news@gippsland - 12th July 2024 - Back to News

In an Australian first, a Federation University study supported by Southern Rural Water has proven UV-C radiation energy can be used to kill submerged weeds in laboratory conditions. The recently completed Masters' study showed that sufficient UV-C radiation energy can kill aquatic weeds found in Macalister Irrigation District channels. Aquatic weeds, left untreated, choke channels and prevent the effective delivery of water needed to irrigate vegetable crops and pastures for dairy production.

Federation University and Southern Rural Water research proves UV-C can eliminate submerged weeds, offering herbicide-free irrigation management for the Macalister district

Exploring UV alternatives

Herbicides are currently the only option to treat submerged weeds. Southern Rural Water uses herbicides with careful consideration about what and how these are used, as well as where and when we use chemicals. This is to minimise risk to our people, the environment and our local communities.

Southern Rural Water's Manager Environment and Climate Adaptation, Kate Berg said, "Our hope is UV-C radiation energy treatments could be a future alternative that will both benefit the environment and remove the need to use chemicals. This project supports our continued focus on improving safety outcomes for our communities and our people," Ms Berg said.

While the study shows UV-C radiation can kill submerged weeds in the lab, this is only a first step towards considering how this may be used as an alternative to herbicides.

What the study found

Federation University student Dian Udugamasuriyage studied the chlorophyll content of pondweed, Elodea canadensis, and ribbonweed, Vallisneria australis, after exposure to different concentrations of UV-C radiation over different time periods and at varying distances from the energy source.

In the laboratory, the weeds were placed in a petri dish and exposed to UV-C radiation energy at different concentrations, distances and time periods in this custom-built treatment box. Dian observed plant leaves for physical changes and cellular level changes under microscope.

The laboratory research conclusively showed how different levels of irradiance - light and radiant energy striking a given area of surface - can cause plant cells to break down. Dian varied the time and amount of irradiance to find the optimum amount needed to kill the weeds. The results show the clear disintegration of tissues 10 days after UV-C radiation energy was applied to pondweed.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com