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Why No-Spray Buffer Zones Help Ease Environmental Concerns in Invasive Tree Management

WESTMINISTER, Colorado. November 10, 2023— Invasive conifers are to New Zealand ecosystems what waterhemp is to U.S. soybean farmers. Trees such as lodgewood pine are weeds that quickly outcompete local flora. This has led New Zealand to launch The National Wilding Conifer Management Programme to manage … more »

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Students Sharpen Skills in National Weed Science Contest

WESTMINISTER, Colorado, October 30, 2023 – Can you identify a weed species in any growth stage? Or, know all aspects of sprayer calibration, such as required spray volume? This summer, students were tested on such weed science skills and more … more »

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Weed Science Societies Provide Comments to Improve EPA’s Herbicide Strategy for Endangered Species Mitigations

The Weed Science Societies suggest nine additional ways to mitigate the impact of herbicides on listed species due to spray drift, which includes decreased buffers for ultra-coarse droplets, additional types of vegetation to intercept spray droplets and grower education. We also suggest six additional ways to mitigate herbicide runoff and erosion, which also includes grower education, more specific terminology for agricultural vs specialty crops as well as assigning more compensatory mitigation points for fields with subsurface drainage or cover crop practices. Most importantly, the Weed Science Societies want to stress that grower education will be the most effective way to implement EPA’s Herbicide Strategy. We recommend a minimum of a 3-5 year phase-in period for the herbicide strategy ESA mitigation practices, which corresponds to the 3-5 year interval that pesticide applicators must be recertified. more »

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WSSA Comments on EPA’s Vulnerable Species Pilot Project for Endangered Species

On August 6, 2023, the WSSA submitted comments ( link here ) on the U.S. EPA’s proposed Vulnerable Listed Species Pilot Project: Proposed Mitigations, Implementation Plan, and Possible Expansion. The WSSA is requesting the agency consider the many benefits of developing WSSA-EPA … more »

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Federal Agency Perspectives and Funding Opportunities for Weed and Invasive Plant Research Symposium

Abstract Weeds and invasive plants know no borders and have collectively impacted many ecosystems worldwide, including croplands, forests, grasslands, rangelands, wetlands, and riparian areas. Losses continue to mount, affecting yield and productivity, species diversity, and ecosystem services, with both short- … more »

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Weed Science School 2023

Weed Science School 2023 September 19-21, 2023 Bowley Plant Science Teaching Facility UC Davis Bowley Plant Science Teaching Facility 1200 Extension Center Drive, Davis, CA The Weed Science School is an intensive 2-1/2 day course focusing on the mode and mechanism of herbicide activity in plants and … more »

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Distinguishing invaders from native plants

Easy-to-Use Checklist Speeds Field ID of Invasive Reeds Invasive common reed (Phragmites australis) is one of Canada’s worst weeds. Unfortunately, the plant is very similar to a native reed that is a valued component of local ecosystems. That makes identification … more »

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Upcoming Event Will Spotlight Aquatic Plant Management

WESTMINSTER, Colorado – July 10, 2023 –  The Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS) will hold its 2023 annual meeting July 24-27 in Indianapolis, Indiana. APMS is an affiliate of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), which will play an … more »

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Survey of Crop Advisors Highlights Barriers to the Effective Management of Herbicide-Resistant Weeds

WESTMINSTER, Colorado – June 27, 2023 – Crop advisors are an important source of information for growers who face the persistent threat of herbicide resistance. Scientists with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) say these frontline experts can help … more »

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Weed Scientists from Across the Nation Recognized by Peers

WESTMINSTER, Colorado – May 1, 2023 – The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) and its affiliates recently singled out nearly a dozen of the nation’s most accomplished weed scientists for Fellows awards – a recognition honoring their outstanding contributions … more »

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