and fast before they can find a way to fight back." Commonly used in vaccines, nanotechnology is a study that understands and controls the character of the smallest atoms and molecules in nanoscale. Undetectable by the human eye, nanoparticles can exhibit significantly different physical and chemical properties to larger plant materials and can be manipulated as a tool to deliver molecules like RNA. Using this nanotechnology, naturally occurring as well as designed RNA can be transported to targeted areas of a plant, or in the case of Nair's research, pigweed and kill it by knocking out a necessary gene the weed needs to survive. Using this new technology, Nair is developing an RNA nano-herbicide that uses the selfassembled natural nanoparticles of a sour cherry as the vehicle to quickly deliver the RNA to the exact point in the pigweed where the RNA can kill the plant. Since the natural herbicide formulation only affects the targeted weeds, it can be applied anywhere and will not affect crops. 22 While still in the early stages, Nair believes growers will welcome this new weed control option, especially because it is fast acting and requires very little amount applied. Now that the RNA and nanoparticles have been identified, the next stage of the project is to formulate the RNA nano-herbicide and conduct toxicology studies. Nair is testing formulations for efficiency, storage and convenience. "We're developing a new, biodegradable herbicide that could be a future solution for weed control," says Nair, explaining that, while the project is nearly halfway through, the research looks promising. Anticipated to be tested in greenhouses and fields, this research shows the potential to selectively target and kill pigweed and other common weeds found in Ontario crops. The benefits of utilizing nanotechnology as a weed control solution extend beyond removing weeds from fields, Nair is also looking into the impact on soil health. "Since everything we're using is biodegradable, nothing can accumulate in the soil," says Nair. "Switching to an RNA nano-herbicide can also be safer for farmers, reducing the risk of exposure to chemicals." The application of nanotechnology in agriculture is relatively new, and while it will take time before growers are able to adopt this revolutionary technology, Nair continues to be inspired by the progress and promise her research holds. RESEARCH OFFERS PROACTIVE INSIGHTS ON MANAGING PALMER AMARANTH IN CANADA Canadian farmers and agronomists are on high alert for Palmer amaranth. Native to the southwestern United States and northwestern areas of Mexico, Palmer amaranth is an invasive weed that affects multiple crops, grows quickly, causes crop yield and quality damage, and can quickly develop herbicide resistance. University of Guelph weed science master's student Francine Ballantyne explains that since Palmer amaranth is a dioecious species (male and female plants), the plant's ability to cross-pollinate enhances the speed at which it can build resistance. For perspective, waterhemp is also a dioecious weed species and continues to build herbicide resistance in Ontario fields. In 2021, Palmer amaranth was found and removed from a Manitoba field. Ballantyne has spent the past two years studying the competitiveness of Palmer amaranth in canola and soybeans in an effort to prepare for the eventual arrival of the problem weed on Canadian soil. She hopes her research can help farmers manage the weed when they inevitably need to. "Already established in Michigan fields, Palmer amaranth is only 100 miles away from the Canada-U.S. border," notes Ballantyne, explaining that the weed can have different characteristics based on geography and, like waterhemp, is resistant to multiple herbicide groups. Conducting her research in a greenhouse, Ballantyne tested the competitiveness of Palmer amaranth weeds sourced from two different locations in the U.S. — Arizona and PALMER AMARANTH. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTY SHROPSHIRE, UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH, RIDGETOWN COLLEGE. continued from page 21
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