|
 |
|
|
|||
|
 |
|
Oct. 20, 2026 Source: LASCO Lightning Weeder OTTERTAIL, MN -- Minnesota's first confirmed case of glufosinate-resistant waterhemp added another challenge to weed management in 2026, while University of Minnesota Extension continued to warn growers about late-season escapes and the risk of allowing surviving weeds to produce seed.¹ ² As sugar beet growers assess what survived this season, the LASCO Lightning Weeder offers a non-chemical option for targeting weeds that extend above the crop canopy and reducing reliance on another herbicide application. The resistance development comes at the end of a challenging growing season. Dry summer conditions reduced sugar beet yield potential in parts of the Red River Valley, although late-season rainfall helped improve crop prospects as harvest approached.³ Waterhemp remains a particular concern. University of Minnesota Extension identified it this year as a leading glyphosate-resistance challenge in sugar beet production, along with ragweed and kochia.⁴ Preventing late-season escapes from producing seed can help limit additional weed pressure in following seasons. North Dakota State University's 2026 Sugarbeet Production Guide recommends an integrated approach to glyphosate-resistant waterhemp and identifies electrical weed control as an option for waterhemp extending above the sugar beet canopy to help prevent viable weed seed production.⁵ That recommendation is already translating into commercial field use. "Several thousand acres across the valley were treated with Lightning Weeders through custom applicators and rental machines, with tremendous results," said Kevin Olson, Founder and CEO of LASCO Manufacturing. "One grower told us that after treating his fields with the Lightning Weeder, waterhemp was no longer a problem." The LASCO Lightning Weeder uses its patented Electric Discharge System (EDS) to make direct contact with weeds and deliver electrical energy through the plant, rapidly heating cellular fluids and damaging plant tissue. Designed to complement existing weed-management practices rather than replace them, the technology provides another option when herbicide-resistant weeds survive earlier control efforts. The 2026 season also demonstrated growing demand for access to electric weed control. According to Olson, some acres went untreated because demand for rental machines and custom applicators exceeded available capacity. "Many acres were left untreated because of the high demand for custom applicators and rental machines," Olson said. "If you had a problem with herbicide-resistant weeds this year and want to treat those acres next year, secure access to a machine early--whether through rental, custom application or purchasing a Lightning Weeder." For growers reviewing their 2026 fields, LASCO recommends identifying which weeds escaped and where they occurred, then considering whether electrical weed control could complement their existing strategy in 2027. For more information about the LASCO Lightning Weeder, visit www.lightningweeder.com. About LASCO: LASCO develops chemical-free weed control technology that helps farmers reduce weed management complexity, support soil health, and reduce dependence on chemical inputs. The LASCO Lightning Weeder utilizes a patented Electric Discharge System (EDS) to deliver effective weed control while protecting crops and supporting long-term agricultural sustainability. For more information about LASCO Lightning Weeder, visit www.lightningweeder.com. Inspired by Farmers. Grounded in Performance. Tweet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
