German firm CropZone, one of seven companies selected for Deere & Co’s 2022 Startup Collaborator program, has developed a hybrid electric solution to desiccate potato haulm.
Called Nucrop, and a joint project with Nufarm in Australia, the front tank is filled with a conductive liquid comprising a nitrogen and phosphate-free mineral solution and an activator. The liquid is designed to increase the power and spread of the electric jolt.
Electricity created by the rear pto generator is transferred to the 75cm-wide x 1.0m-long electrically charged high-voltage (up to 5,000v) panels. The jolt ruptures leaf cell walls so water cannot move within the plant. Operating at speeds up to 6.0km/hr, the current system has a working width of 12.0m. A wider 24.0m version is in development.
As well as potatoes, the Nucrop can also be used for the desiccation of chickpeas and oats and to burn off cover crops. The company is also working on solutions for row crops.
The other six companies selected for the year-long program are Burro, Four Growers, SeeDevice, Ucropit, ViewAR, and Yard Stick.
