A research centre has been trialling using artificial intelligence (AI) to spot weeds in farmers' fields using cameras fitted to crop sprayers.
Rothamsted Research, based in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, said the cameras could detect the weed black-grass at a range of growth stages using AI.
The system then ensures the correct amount of herbicide is sprayed onto that area of the field.
Dr David Comont, an evolutionary ecologist at Rothamsted Research, said the project has brought "the knowledge we have acquired over many years of studying the black-grass problem" and combined it with state-of the art technology.
"By targeting herbicides only where they are needed, we can both reduce the amount of herbicide being used and the cost to the grower, while still maintaining control of this weed," he added.
