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Upcoming Meeting to Focus on Management of Invasive Aquatic Weeds

Scientists, professionals and policymakers interested in the management of aquatic weeds will gather next month for the Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS) annual meeting. The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) is among the exhibitors at the event, which is scheduled for July 14-17 in San Antonio, Texas.

“The APMS conference has become an important forum for sharing research and best practices that help us reduce the significant threat aquatic weeds represent to our economy,” says Lee Van Wychen, Ph.D., science policy director for the Weed Science Society of America.  “Aquatic invaders can clog flood control channels, impair water supplies and endanger important centers of water-based commerce, recreation and tourism.”

This year’s APMS conference will feature dozens of presentations and poster sessions on invasive aquatic plants and how to best manage them – from the use of hydroacoustic technology to track underwater weeds to the latest techniques for controlling toxic algae blooms.  In addition, three special half-day sessions are planned around the following themes:

  • Herbicide Resistance Management in Aquatics.  As a prelude to policy work on guidelines that can reduce the development of herbicide resistance among aquatic weeds, APMS will host a special session featuring individuals from industry, academia and public management, as well as herbicide applicators.  Attendees will have an opportunity to share their personal perspectives and concerns about resistance issues.  The guidelines APMS develops will complement similar policy guidelines developed by WSSA to reduce resistance among terrestrial weeds.
  • Perspectives on Research and Management Progress.   Experts from terrestrial weed science and related disciplines will discuss strategies that may benefit their colleagues in aquatic plant management.  Each presenter will explore the link between research, technology and changes in management techniques.
  • Aquatic Plant Management in Texas.  The Texas chapter of APMS will lead a session on aquatic plant management issues, research and best practices – from the management of giant reed (Arundo donax) on Lady Bird Lake in Austin to an update on the work of the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation.

For more information on the APMS annual meeting, visit www.apms.org.

 

About the Aquatic Plant Management Society

The Aquatic Plant Management Society is an international organization of scientists, educators, students, commercial pesticide applicators, administrators and concerned individuals interested in the management and study of aquatic plants. The objectives of the Society are to assist in promoting the management of nuisance aquatic plants, to provide for the scientific advancement of members of the society, to encourage scientific research, to promote university scholarship, and to extend and develop public interest in the aquatic plant science discipline.   For more information, visit www.apms.org.

About the Weed Science Society of America

The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific 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, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world.  For more information, visit www.wssa.net.