The impact of weeds on agricultural systems, the environment and the global economy will be the focus of the 5th International Weed Science Congress scheduled for June 23-27 in Vancouver, Canada. Hundreds of weed scientists and students from nearly 50 countries around the globe are expected to attend the event, which will be held at the Westin Bayshore Resort and Marina.
The Congress, held every four years, is a cooperative effort of the International Weed Science Society, the Canadian Weed Science Society and the Weed Science Society of America.
More than 700 talks and poster presentations are at the core of the five-day program. A variety of professional workshops will be offered, along with a trade exhibition to highlight the latest developments in weed science technology, products and services. Attendees also will have the opportunity to explore the biological diversity of the Vancouver region, with visits to working farms and orchards, greenhouses, botanical gardens and forests.
Three keynote addresses will focus on some of the hottest topics in weed science – from biofuels and crop production to recent innovations in weed management:
- Dr. Christopher Somerville, director of the Energy Biosciences Institute, will speak on “Scientific Issues Associated with the Development of Cellulosic Biofuels.”
- Dr. Bao-Rong Lu, professor and chairman of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology for Fudan University in Shanghai, will discuss the “Development of Crop Production in China: A Case Study in Rice.”
- Dr. Hermann Stuebler, head of herbicide research for Bayer CropScience AG, will speak on “Global Changes in Crop Production and Impact Trends on Innovation in Weed Management: An Industry View.”
“We hope this international meeting will promote a better understanding of the global impact of weeds and of the management techniques we can use to preserve biological diversity,” said Anne Légère, a member of the Congress planning committee and past president of the Canadian Weed Science Society.
For more information on the 5th International Weed Science Congress and a complete conference schedule, visit the Weed Science Society of America website at http://www.wssa.net.
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About the International Weed Science Society
The International Weed Science Society (IWSS) was formed in 1975 by individuals from Europe, North America, South America and the Asian-Pacific area to deal with global weed science issues. The IWSS is a worldwide scientific organization open to all who are interested in weeds and their control. The formation of IWSS was promoted actively by the six existing regional weed science societies. The purpose of IWSS is to supplement and complement their vital role. Additionally, IWSS provides benefits and functions of a weed science society not currently existing at a national or regional level. For more information on IWSS and the upcoming Congress, visit here.
About the Weed Science Society of America
The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit professional society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The Weed Science Society of America promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, and fosters awareness of weeds and their impacts on managed and natural ecosystems. For more information, visit http://www.wssa.net
About the Canadian Weed Science Society
The Canadian Weed Science Society (CWSS) is a national organization representing the interests of its members involved in weed research, extension, education, product development, marketing or regulation and of all other individuals and groups with an interest in weed management. The goals of the organization are to establish and maintain a process for sharing and disseminating weed science knowledge in Canada, provide a forum for discussion of weed management issues and take a proactive stand on behalf of all stakeholders on issues related to weed management at provincial and federal levels. For more information on CWSS, visit http://www.cwss-scm.ca/
IWSC HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPACT OF WEEDS ON AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS,
THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE GLOBAL ECONOMY