Expanding the current aquatic herbicide portfolio, reducing total spray volumes, or remotely delivering herbicide using novel spray technologies could improve management opportunities targeting invasive aquatic plants, where options are more limited. However, research on giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta Mitchell) response to foliar herbicide applications at carrier volumes ≤140 L ha−1 is incomplete. Likewise, no data exist documenting S. molesta control with unoccupied aerial application systems (UAAS). Following the recent >100-ha incursion of S. molesta in Gapway Swamp, NC, a case study was developed to provide guidance for ongoing management efforts. In total, three field trials evaluated registered aquatic and experimental herbicides using a 140 L ha−1 carrier volume. Select foliar applications from UAAS were also evaluated. Results at 8 wk after treatment (WAT) indicated the experimental protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor, PPO-699-01 (424 g ai ha−1), in combination with endothall dipotassium salt (2,370 g ae ha−1) provided 78% visual control, whereas control when PPO-699-01 (212 g ai ha−1) was applied alone was lower at 35%. Evaluations also showed diquat (3,136 g ai ha−1) alone, glyphosate (4,539 g ae ha−1) alone, and metsulfuron-methyl (42 g ai ha−1) alone achieved 86% to 94% visual plant control at 8 WAT. Sequential foliar applications of diquat, flumioxazin (210 g ai ha−1), and carfentrazone (67 g ai ha−1) at 6 wk following exposure to in-water fluridone treatments were no longer efficacious by 6 WAT due to plant regrowth. Carfentrazone applications made from a backpack sprayer displayed greater control than applications made with UAAS deploying identical carrier volumes at 2 WAT; however, neither application method provided effective control at 8 WAT. Additional field validation is needed to further guide management direction of S. molesta control using low carrier volume foliar applications.

An explanation is provided of why and how one group of researchers in a Chinese village setting came to focus on what the authors call biological recycle farming. An explanation of applied agricultural research in China is provided. One conclusion reached is that application of research at the village level was largely successful because it was founded on community development principles. Another conclusion is that food production in very marginal Chinese villages can be increased significantly. While the alternative approach discussed cannot be exported wholesale to many other countries of the world, the concepts are very useful for international economic and agricultural development.