Well-known garden plants such as carrots, parsnip and dill have cousins with some nasty characteristics. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), common hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) and their hybrids were introduced into the United States from Europe in the early 1900s as showy garden ornamentals. But they can pack a painful punch.

The aquatic invasive plant hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) not only is a costly nuisance impeding waterways and recreational lakes, it also may have deadly impacts on eagles and waterfowl.

Is global warming fueling a new generation of more aggressive weeds? According to recent research, the answer may be yes. One of the major characteristics of a warming planet is an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Rising carbon dioxide has been shown to help vegetable and grain crops grow more quickly, become more drought-resistant and produce potentially higher yields. Unfortunately, though, the impact of rising carbon dioxide seems to be far more pronounced in the weeds that compete with crops than in the crops themselves.

Nearly 200 scientists and invasive plant management stakeholders from industry associations, professional societies, government agencies and private organizations all over North America will gather in our Nation’s capital to raise awareness about the severe economic and environmental impacts caused by invasive plants during the 9th Annual National Invasive Weed Awareness Week, February 24 - 29.

The Weed Science Society of America announces the winners of the prestigious Weed Science Society of America Awards, which were presented to members who displayed excellence in research, education and extension outreach activities related to weed science. Nominees were judged by their peers on the weight of their scientific accomplishments and the notable contributions they have made in their areas of expertise. These top honors were awarded on the opening day of the organization’s 48th Annual Meeting, held February 4 - 7, 2008, in Chicago.

The 48th Annual Meeting of the Weed Science Society of America will convene February 4 - 7 in Chicago, at the Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue. Orion Samuelson, Agribusiness Director for WGN Radio and host of the syndicated radio programs National Farm Report and Samuelson Sez, will deliver the keynote address. Nearly 400 scientists from ten countries will gather to share the latest weed science research exploring the agricultural, environmental, economic and ecological impacts of weeds and various aspects of weed management. In addition to more than three hundred professional posters and papers that will be presented.

Tropical Soda Apple. The name may not sound particularly threatening, but in the short time it has been known to be in the United States, Tropical Soda Apple has created a veritable crisis within Florida’s agricultural industries. From cattle ranchers to hay producers and grass seed harvesters, Tropical Soda Apple has infiltrated the ranks of these agribusinesses and poses a threat to the economies of these industries.

It’s a Cinderella story. Weeds, scorned and trod on for years and persistently excluded from the manicured gardens and uniform crops of respectable horticultural and agricultural society are fast becoming the darlings of a burgeoning biofuel industry. But not all fairytales have a happy ending.

Sure, the growing season is over and cooler weather is moving in, but don’t think the weeds in your lawn and garden are taking a little R & R. In fact, many of them, especially invasive weeds, are still vexing unsuspecting victims or are busy plotting their next move so they can come out swinging at the first hint of spring next year.

In the western states, where wildfires are most prevalent, the encroachment of resilient, invasive plants has paved the way for a succession of rampant rangeland and desert wildfires. Two culprits that play major roles in stoking the flames of these reoccurring western wildfires are Cheatgrass and Red Brome.

You've just finished a long day of gardening, taking great care to meticulously prune the trees and shrubs, painstakingly weeding the lawn and all the flower beds. But before you sit back and congratulate yourself on a job well-done, you may want to take a closer look at some of the varieties of plants growing in your yard. Some of the very plants you lovingly care for and toil over each weekend may actually be harmful to the environment.

It's summer again. People will be spending more time outdoors strolling through city parks, gardening in their yards or vacationing at any one of our country’s beautiful national preserves. However, what they may not realize as they take in the breathtaking natural landscapes is that these picturesque areas actually are in peril from a group of insidious predators—otherwise known as invasive weeds.