Scientists have discovered that “underground gardening” by earthworms is contributing to the spread of giant ragweed, a plant that causes sneezes and sniffles and is one of the nation’s most irritating weeds.

The 2008 floods were devastating to the Midwest (with an estimated $3 billion loss of crops in Iowa alone). A major issue for agriculture was the long-term unfavorable weather throughout the spring,

… more

Solving weed problems is key to increasing crop yields and improving the lives of women in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to Weed Science Society of America member Leonard Gianessi of the CropLife Foundation.

… more

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.

Glyphosate, a herbicide which is marketed under various names, is widely used around the world to control a broad array of weeds in agriculture, forestry, orchards, rightsofway and around the home. Glyphosate is an especially effective and simple weed management tool for some agricultural crops that can tolerate the herbicide. However, its widespread, repeated, and often sole use for weed management has selected weeds that have become glyphosate resistant and are thus not controlled by this herbicide.

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.

Over the past decade, beetles have taken a major bite out of purple loosestrife, one of the world’s most aggressive weeds. Featured on "the most noxious weeds" list in 33 states, purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is especially a problem in the Midwest where it clogs wetlands and waterways. In the early 1990s, researchers in Minnesota were among the first to try a biological-based approach for beating back the weed. They released two types of loosestrife beetles (Galerucella calmariensis and Galerucella pusilla) that love to munch on purple loosestrife foliage.

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.

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.