Weed biology serves practical weed management

Summary Weed science is an applied science that serves practical weed management. Traditionally, effective weed management has been dependent upon farmers gaining knowledge of the characteristics of the weeds they were managing. The advent of herbicides has not made this knowledge‐based approach redundant and problems, including herbicide resistant weeds, have made weed biology studies necessary even in the herbicide era. Weed populations continue to evolve and weed problems persist, sustaining a requirement for effective management strategies. In this paper, we exhibit several approaches to linking weed biology studies to practical weed management. These approaches demonstrate both the value of and synergy between an in‐depth knowledge of weed biology and weed management practices to provide practical solutions in the field.