03/09/05 Thermal weed control?

It started as an idea that was researched and developed in Australia. It led to the demonstration of a prototype at the World Ag Expo four years ago. And at this year's Expo in Tulare California, the latest prototype of a proposed organic weed control made its debut. The Aturas Stinger, owned by Australian company D.J. Batchen, and marketed in the U.S. by the Propane Education and Research Council. So what makes this technology special? Dr. Ian Johnstone, the inventor, says the key is instant steam created through propane technology to be sprayed on weeds. The hot temperature causes cells in the weed to rupture, in effect killing it. The use of this steam quenched technology ends potential fire hazards in burning weeds, and allows for weed control on days when weather makes spraying chemicals difficult. JOHNSTONE: We've used this technology on many applications in Australia. But to get a bread and butter machine, that needed to be with something like the wine industry. Orchards will also be the focus of field tests of the Aturas Stinger prototype during a tour of the Northwest in the next two months. Currently, the prototype is operated from a trailer mount and towed by a tractor or four wheel drive vehicle. According to D.J. Batchen officials, the success of the upcoming field tests and grower interest will determine the amount of future commercial production.