Using electric current as a non-chemical weed control method Plants were observed to die when electric current was applied for a sufficient period of time Low level of voltage applied to the plants caused an increase in germination rates In this study, 110, 220 and 300 AC voltages were applied to plants germinated in the laboratory conditions, using single and multiple types of electrodes during 100 seconds. The relationship between electric current passing through plants, applied voltage and mortality rates were examined. In vertical type multi-electrode method, at 220 and 300 voltage levels, respectively; Mortality rates of 12% and 17% were obtained. The control group had an approximately 7% increase in germination rate. Similarly, in the horizontal type single electrode method, at 220 and 300 volts, respectively; Mortality rates of 8% and about 11% were obtained. There is an increase of approximately 5% in the control group germination rate. However, in both electrode methods, 110 volt applications increased the germination rates to values ranging from 2% to 12%. Figure A. Distribution of mortality rates by voltage with single and multiple electrode methods Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop an environmentally friendly alternative method instead of chemicals used in weed control Theory and Methods: By using the experimentally designed single and multiple electrode setup, the mortality rates of 110, 220 and 330 volts applied plants were determined by NDVI technique Results: Results of the experiment in vertical type multi-electrode method, at 220 and 300 volt obtained mortality rates of 12% and 17% respectively. But, at 110 volt of multi-electrode method, there is an increase of 12 % in germination. A statistically significant difference was also observed between the applied voltages and the electrode methods (p <0.05). There is a statistically significant positive correlation between the mortality rates and electric current for both electrode methods (p <0.05). The degree (r) of these relationships is about 89%, it means that the mortality rates increase as the electric current increases. Conclusion: The results show that, when applied with correct voltage and sufficient time, electric current can be effectively applied in weed control. More scientific studies are needed to reduce the environmental effects of agricultural chemicals used in weed control.
