Floral Disruptor - Directed Energy Weed Abatement and Prevention Tool

ABSTRACT: The Air Force and other Agencies face a need to manage plant-life in operating locations without the use of environmentally hazardous chemicals, and without collateral impact to surrounding ecologies. Global Neighbor, Inc. (GNI) has successfully demonstrated that directed energy, in the correct spectra and power level combinations, is an effective alternative to chemical treatment for floral disruption and as part of an overall integrated pest management strategy. It can be implemented as part of an overall integrated pest management strategy that can be employed at Edwards Air Force Base and other USAF/DoD locations. In previous work observed control includes leaf chlorophyll loss, leaf desiccation, outer bark damage, biomass loss and no re-greening or re-growth. Outcomes equal to that of conventional chemical applications have been achieved and with these additional advantages: easy-to-use, non-chemical, and safe; easily adapted to mobile and remote use; environmentally neutral; and able to integrate with other maintenance operations and equipment. The proposed Phase II Program will develop and demonstrate an affordable and user-ready full-scale Directed Energy Floral Disruptor Platform system based upon our Phase I results. The under-lying technique is range-independent and will be shown suitable for both near-contact and longer-range stand-off situations. BENEFIT: Military facilities must abate and control the spread and growth of unwanted plants or weeds. Similar requirements exist for forestry service, agriculture, public green space, construction sites, and private users. The proposed device will provide a viable and cost effect alternative to traditional chemical or mechanical weed control techniques in both established facilities and new forward locations; reducing handling and logistics costs while also meeting emerging domestic and global environmental impact reduction needs.