http://www.wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/ WSSA -- Latest Press Releases en-us http://www.wssa.net/00Images/headerText.gif http://www.wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/ http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA-SummitHerbicideResistantWeeds.htm The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) will co-sponsor an upcoming scientific summit on how to manage herbicide-resistant weeds - a costly and growing problem threatening crop production across the U.S. and around the globe. "To counter this dangerous trend, we need to move to integrated weed management programs that incorporate a variety of other control methods. Doing so can help us preserve crop yields, herbicide effectiveness and the sustainability..." http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA-Riparian-Weeds.htm This year flooding has ravaged thousands of homes and businesses in communities across the U.S. And scientists say the prevalence of invasive weeds is one of the factors that may be contributing to the damage. These foreign invaders are overrunning many vital "riparian" lands – the ecologically diverse natural habitats that run along the millions of miles of our nation's waterways and help to prevent or moderate flooding... http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA-HOLIDAY-RELEASE.htm The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) is spotlighting the impact of effective weed control on the holiday traditions we hold most dear – from the foods that grace our holiday table to the decorations that adorn our homes. "A lot of behind the scenes effort is exerted by growers, land managers and other dedicated professionals to keep weeds at bay," says Lee Van Wychen, Ph.D., science policy director of WSSA. "The steps they take help us preserve many of our most treasured foods and fun."... http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA-WEED-DISPERSAL-BY-VEHICLE.htm When you take your four-wheel drive out for a spin this fall, you might be bringing home more than memories. Researchers at Montana State University have found that vehicles are routinely transporting invasive weed seeds. Seeds can stow away on tires, bumpers, wheel wells or the underside of a vehicle and sometimes travel great distances before falling off in a new locale. As weed seeds sprout and grow, they can crowd out native plants, disrupt native ecosystems and wildlife habitats and reduce crop yields when they spread to nearby fields... http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/2012-WSSA-ANNUAL-MEETING-RELEASE.htm October 5, 2011 – Early bird registration is now open for the 52nd annual meeting of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) – an event that will focus on the latest developments in weed science research and management practices. Students, educators and professionals from around the world are expected to attend the event, which is scheduled for February 6-9, 2012, in Waikoloa, Hawaii. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/Resistance-Education.htm September 27, 2011 – Today the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) is introducing a free training program designed to educate pesticide applicators, growers, agrichemical retailers, farm consultants and other stakeholders on herbicide resistance in weeds – a costly problem that threatens crop production across the U.S. and around the globe. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA-PSEP.htm September 12, 2011 – Today scientists with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), the American Phytopathological Society (APS) and the Entomological Society of America (ESA) expressed concern about the precarious state of the U.S. Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). Funding for the program has plummeted in recent years and is now in danger of evaporating completely. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WEEDOLYMPICS-WINNERS.htm University students from Guelph, Ohio State, Purdue and Virginia Tech took top honors in the recent WeedOlympics, an event recognizing the best student weed scientists in North America.... About 150 individuals participated in a variety of events – from identifying weeds and calibrating sprayers to solving weed management problems likely to be encountered on the job. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA-BeachVitex.htm Just a decade ago, sand dunes, native plants and wildlife along some of the most popular beaches in the Carolinas were under attack by beach vitex (Vitex rotundifolia) – a highly invasive plant nicknamed "beach kudzu". Today, though, the tide has turned thanks to the Beach Vitex Task Force, a unique public-private partnership established to fight the weed. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA-EdibleWeeds.htm If you’re growing weary of the never-ending battle against weeds, there may be one unique way to exact revenge. Scientists with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) suggest that if you take some prudent safety measures, you can serve up some of your worst enemies at your next dinner party. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA-Weed-Olympics.htm This summer teams of students from universities across the nation will gather in Knoxville, Tenn., for the WeedOlympics – an event sponsored by the Northeastern, North Central, Southern and Western Weed Science Societies. The July 26-27 event is open to student members of the four organizations, who will compete for bragging rights as the best student weed scientists in the country. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA-corps-of-engineers-funding.htm April 4, 2011 -- Today the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) announced it has joined nearly a dozen national and regional weed management associations in expressing strong support for continued funding of an Army Corps of Engineers program targeting aquatic weed control. For more than 40 years, the Army Corps of Engineers has served as the lead federal agency protecting our nation’s waterways and water supply from invasive weeds by developing and sharing new and improved management technologies. The agency’s Aquatic Plant Control Research Program (APCRP) is the only federally authorized research initiative focused on effective, science-based strategies for managing invasive aquatic species. However, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has ‘zeroed out’ this critical program in its 2012 Civil Works budget. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA-FertilizerHerbicide.htm As spring approaches, many homeowners in pursuit of a lush, weed-free lawn will turn to one of the many brands of “weed and feed” products that combine herbicides with fertilizer. But Cooperative Extension weed scientists say it is important to use these products responsibly in order to protect the environment. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/NISAW-2011-Conference.htm A broad coalition of stakeholders will gather next week to spotlight harmful invasive species that cause a multibillion-dollar annual drain on our nation's economy. They will be participating in activities for National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW), scheduled for February 28-March 4 in Washington, D.C. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA-2011-AwardWinners.htm This week during its 51st annual meeting in Portland, Oregon, the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) honored nearly two dozen individuals from academia, government and private industry for their outstanding contributions to the field of weed science. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA-NIFAFunding.htm Today the Weed Science Society of America applauded a decision by the USDA to fund vital research involving the management of weeds and invasive plants. USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has budgeted $23 million for competitive grants during 2011 in the Foundational Program area of plant health and crop production, including weed management. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_Witchweed.htm For the past 50 years, areas near the border between North and South Carolina have been ground zero for a fierce battle in the war against a devastating weed. Federal and state officials and local farmers have been fighting the only known U.S. infestations of witchweed (Striga asiatica), an invasive plant that has crippled key segments of the agricultural industry in countries around the globe. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_Cranberry.htm Harvest is now underway for the colorful cranberries that herald the holiday season and grace dinner tables around the country. The USDA predicts the 2010 crop will be the second highest on record – led by Wisconsin and Massachusetts, respectively, the top two cranberry-producing states in the country. But before they make their way to your table, cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) must be defended from a variety of pesky and persistent weeds. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA-ORGANIC-WEED-CONTROL.htm What is the most critical problem facing today’s organic grower? The USDA’s Invasive Weed Management Unit says the answer is weeds. They rob fields of moisture, compete with crops for nutrients, reduce yields and drive up costs. But a number of innovative research projects are underway to improve tried and true weed control strategies and to explore new alternatives that can benefit organic crops. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA-2011-ANNUAL-MEETING.htm Early bird registration is now open for the 51st annual meeting of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) – an event that will focus on the latest developments in weed control research and management practices in agronomic, horticultural, rangeland environments and more. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_PES.htm The Center for Integrated Pest Management (CIPM) has announced the launch of a new Pesticide Environmental Stewardship (PES) website. The site is designed for anyone who applies, sells, stores, or disposes of pesticides; provides advice or training on pesticide use; or is involved in pesticide stewardship or regulation. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_PoisonousWeeds.htm Scientists recommend that you learn to identify and avoid plants that produce dangerous toxins. Your life may depend on it! Earlier this year a woman in Washington State died from suspected hemlock poisoning after gathering the leafy green weed and using it on a salad. Unfortunately her death wasn’t an isolated occurrence. Each year dozens of people die or are sickened by weeds they didn’t know would cause them harm. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_SustainableWorkforce.htm While the U.S. job market remains in the doldrums in the wake of one of the deepest recessions in history, there is at least one profession bucking the trend. Job opportunities in the crop sciences are booming. But despite the promising employment outlook, there is a talent shortage in the applied agricultural sciences. Data from the National Academies shows 4,010 baccalaureate degrees awarded in agriculture business and management in 2007 – but only 177 in crop production. A 2008 USDA review shows Bachelor’s degrees awarded in agronomy and the crop sciences decreased by almost a third between 1984 and 2003. Several universities have dropped or consolidated programs in the agricultural sciences because of low enrollment and dwindling funds. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_NIFA.htm May 12, 2010 -- Today the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) announced it has issued a strong appeal to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to protest the elimination of virtually all funding for weed science in the federal budget. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_Weeds_Across_Borders.htm Cross-border efforts to manage North America’s invasive plants and weeds will be the focus of an upcoming Weeds Across Borders conference scheduled for June 1-4 at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, W.Va. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_ControllingDrift.htm Researchers today are transforming weed control with new precision tools and application techniques that can keep herbicides precisely where they belong. As a result, farmers are able to optimize the performance of herbicides and minimize the small amounts that drift off target as they are being applied. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_2010_AwardWinners.htm Nearly two dozen individuals from academia, government and private industry were honored recently by the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) for outstanding contributions to the field of weed science. The annual awards were presented during WSSA’s 50th Annual Meeting, held recently in Denver, Colorado. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_AvatarMovie.htm Scientist Jodie Holt typically spends her days researching thistles and other invasive weeds that can play havoc on planet Earth. But when the producers of the blockbuster Avatar called, she suddenly found herself immersed in the lush plant life of Pandora, the remote moon where much of the film’s action is based. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_IR4_Project.htm Hundreds of government officials, growers, agricultural researchers and extension personnel gathered recently to make decisions that will impact the quality and quantity of the fruits and vegetables on our tables and the ornamental plants that beautify our landscapes. They were determining 2010-2011 research priorities for the Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4), an organization launched more than four decades ago by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. IR-4 is responsible for conducting residue studies and investigating the safety and effectiveness of new, reduced-risk herbicides, insecticides and fungicides that can help growers of specialty crops successfully manage pests and improve yields. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_GlyphosateResistance.htm Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the nation and a mainstay of weed control for both farmers and homeowners. Over the last 13 years, it has been applied to more than a billion acres. But there is a downside to the product’s popularity. Scientists are increasingly concerned about the growing number of weeds developing resistance to glyphosate. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_2010_AnnualMeetingReminder.htm Can the same robotic technologies used in manufacturing, mining and even warfare play a role in weed control? Is climate change fueling a new generation of aggressive weeds and making it tougher to manage them? These are two of the many thought-provoking topics to be explored during an upcoming joint annual meeting of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) and the Society for Range Management (SRM). http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_NISAW2010.htm A coalition of public and private scientists, educators and policy officials will gather in Washington, D.C., early next year for National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW). Scheduled for January 10-14, the four-day summit will focus on how invasive species are related to climate change, biofuels and an emerging "green" economy. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_2009WeedContest.htm Can you name that leafy weed overrunning your perennial bed or crowding out the fall crops in your vegetable garden? If not, you can rest assured that the next generation of weed scientists will be poised to help. Eighty-five students from 11 universities gathered on an Indiana research farm recently to test their mettle by identifying more than two dozen weeds on sight. They were competing for coveted "Golden Hoe" awards in the 2009 Collegiate Weed Science Contest, sponsored by the Northeastern and North Central Weed Science Societies. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_PrairieOrchid.htm The western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera praeclara) is a delicate wildflower that has been teetering on the brink of extinction. The culprit? Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), one of the most aggressive weeds in North America, is destroying the orchid’s remaining natural habitat. Scientists are turning the tide with new integrated weed control strategies that are giving the rare orchid a chance to bounce back. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_Hurricanes.htm When a hurricane roars inland, most low-lying coastal states rely on a network of pumps and canals to dissipate the storm surge and protect both lives and property. But add invasive plants and weeds to the mix, and you have a recipe for a disaster. Overgrown vegetation can wreak havoc and promote flooding by jamming pumps and blocking water flow. According to the Weed Science Society of America, common culprits include floating water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), submersed hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) and other fast-growing water plants. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_2010_AnnualMeeting_Announce.htm Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is expected to address the upcoming joint annual meeting of two leading scientific societies – the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) and the Society for Range Management (SRM). Scheduled for February 8 through 11 in Denver, the event is expected to draw hundreds of scientists, students, educators and professionals interested in sustainable weed management practices and the conservation of our natural resources. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_SaltCedar.htm Saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) is an invasive plant that is crowding out native vegetation and dominating the shorelines of southwestern rivers and streams. But put a room full of weed scientists and land managers together to discuss how to tame the aggressive plant and you’ll trigger a lively debate about how – or even whether – it should be controlled. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_Weeds_In_Ornamentals.htm Container-grown ornamentals are a staple of the nursery industry and give homeowners a quick way to incorporate established plants into backyard gardens and landscapes. But without proper management, they also can serve as a superhighway for the spread of weeds. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_Florida_Tour.htm During a recent fact-finding tour of aquatic ecosystems in southern Florida, officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) got an up-close look at how integrated weed management techniques are helping to control invasive weeds in lakes and wetlands. The three-day site visit was organized by scientists, engineers and educators from a variety of public and private organizations, including the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA). http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_Knake.htm As a graduate student and instructor at the University of Illinois, Ellery Knake was fascinated with weeds. He was determined to understand their impact on crops and to explore new control techniques to benefit farmers. When he died recently at age 81, Dr. Knake left behind a body of work that has made a lasting impact on both agriculture and weed science around the globe. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_Stewardship.htm Home gardeners are out in full force this spring tending to lawns, gardens and flower beds. But most of us will find it's not all smooth sailing. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_Compost_WeedFree.htm Compost can be a gardener's best friend. It can deliver dramatic improvements in soil quality and nutrients to nourish your plants throughout the growing season. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_EPA_Rehearing.htm This week the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) is asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to request a rehearing of the recent Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals decision defining pesticides as pollutants and requiring Clean Water Act permits before they can be applied in or near water sources. http://wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/WSSA_2009_Awards.htm Nearly two dozen individuals from academia, government and private industry were honored by the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) for their outstanding contributions to the field of weed science.