Lecture 1 - Intro and Definitions Flashcards
what does an ecosystem consist of
all living things and non-living things
why are weeds important
cost, interfere with crop/pasture production, allelopathic effects, reduce aesthetic beauty of landscape, alternate hosts for insects and pathogens, harmful health effects to humans
are native or alien weeds more harmful
alien weeds
why are native weeds less harmful
they have natural enemies
do weeds, insects, pathogens, nematodes, rodents, or birds cause the most damage
weeds
estimated loss in Canada due to weed interference
1-1.2 billion/year
estimated loss in Western and Eastern Canada due to weed interference
Western Canada - 800-900 million
Eastern Canada - 250-300 million
annual cost of herbicides in the USA
$7 billion
crop loss even with herbicides in the USA
$6-33 billion
total annual loss due to weeds in the USA
$13-40 billion
benefits of weeds
erosion protection
increase organic matter
absorb CO2
restore biodiversity
provide habitat for beneficials
absorb and recycle soluble nutrients
what is weed science
practical and applied science that aims to understand weeds as a whole to manage it
what does weed science serve
producers, consumers, environment, industry
5 broad principles of weed management
- Weed ID
- Weed biology and ecology
- Assessment of problem
- Intervention tactics and control programs
- Environmental and personal safety
most consistent trait of weedy species
ability to grow well in disturbed habitats by man and their undesirability
