Weed Science Research

Agronomic practices greatly influence weed population dynamics. This chapter outlines these with particular attention to the UK weed floras. It explores the history of weed science as a discipline, together with a brief history of weed control technology including the discovery and development of synthetic herbicides. The chapter discusses the origins of the Weed Research Organization (WRO), together with the subsequent formation of the European Weed Research Society. Since the formation of the European Weed Research Society in 1950, great advances have been achieved, significantly in weed biology and the control of weeds. Various means are available to determine the changing status of weed floras and of the priorities in weed research. For example, reference to reports of the WRO indicates those weeds that were considered of prime economic importance for control.