Agricultural Research Service Weed Science Research: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract The U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) has been a leader in weed science research covering topics ranging from the development and use integrated management (IWM) tactics to basic mechanistic studies, including biotic resistance desirable plant communities herbicide resistance. ARS scientists have worked agricultural natural ecosystems, agronomic horticultural crops, pastures, forests, wild lands, aquatic habitats, wetlands, riparian areas. Through strong partnerships with academia, state agencies, private industry, numerous federal programs, made contributions discoveries newest fields robotics genetics, as well traditional fundamental subjects weed–crop competition physiology integration control practices. Weed at is often overshadowed by other topics; thus, few are aware long history its important contributions. This review result symposium held Science Society America’s 62nd Annual Meeting 2022 that included 10 separate presentations virtual Webinar Series. overarching themes (IWM, biological control, automation), mechanisms (competition, invasive resistance), ecosystem impacts (invasive spread, climate change, conservation, restoration) represent core dynamic efficacious significant component agency’s national international efforts. highlights current studies future directions exemplify collaborative relationships both within outside ARS. Given constraints weeds plants on all aspects food, feed, fiber systems, there an acknowledged need face new challenges, agriculture resources sustainability, economic resilience reliability, societal health well-being.