Future of Weed Science Research

Abstract

The discipline of weed science is entering a critical period in its development. Decisions made in the next few years will determine if weed science will remain weed control technology oriented or develop into a broad-based scientific discipline. Over the last 30 yr the evolution of weed science has been based on the development of weed control methods. Currently, most crop production systems rely very heavily on one weed control technology, herbicides. Agriculture is now in a debate with society over how food and fiber should be produced. Society is asking weed science, because of food safety and water quality concerns, to develop new methods to control weeds. To do this, weed science must put more emphasis on principles-based research that can provide the basic knowledge required to develop new weed control technology. Weed scientists must join forces with private citizens and organizations concerned with the effect of current agricultural practices on the environment, to obtain, through the political process, new resources for weed science research. These resources are needed to develop the basic principles that will support the development of new weed control technologies with reduced environmental impact. Weed scientists must decide if they are going to lead the direction of weed science research or be led reluctantly by others.