Development of alternative weed management strategies

Concerns in the public and agricultural sectors about agricultural practices have led many weed scientists and producers to consider alternative weed management strategies. Weed management practices have been influenced greatly by the availability of selective herbicides for major crops. The impact of herbicides has been so dominating that weed science is often perceived to be the science of herbicides rather than the science of weeds. The general public and many agricultural producers are searching for alternatives to herbicide-intensive weed management practices. A shift away from dependence on herbicides is complicated by a poor understanding of weed biology and ecology and the availability of few alternative weed control tactics. Education and research efforts have to focus on the application of existing knowledge as well as the development of new fundamental knowledge. Reductions in herbicide use can be attained within the framework of existing management systems. However, given the poor understanding of weeds and lack of control options, new approaches to weed management are needed. Weed scientists have to play a central role in the development of new cropping systems to avoid continuation of reactive approaches to weed control.