October 2007 newsletter - Weed Science Society of America › wp-content › uploads › Oct-2007-Newsletter.pdf · 4 WSSA Newsletter October, 2007 2008 ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE Jeffrey

Newsletter

Volume 35, No. 4October, 2007

I continue to be impressed with the enthusiasm, dedica-tion, and volunteer spirit of WSSA members dedicatedto enhance opportunities for members and broaden theimpact of our discipline. I hope that all of you havemade plans to attend the 2008 annual meeting sched-uled for February 4 to 7 at the Chicago Hilton. Jeff Derr

and the Program Committee are putting together an excellent program for themeeting. Please see Jeff’s contributions to this newsletter for highlights of theplans for the general session, symposia, and workshops on timely topics. Jeff hasworked with the local arrangements committee chaired by Aaron Hager to takeadvantage of the opportunities offered by meeting in a dynamic city. Pleaseremember that early registration (by December 1) allows you to save $100 onpre-registration rates. The registration brochure is available on-line and bydirect mail to members and contains all the details about registration and hotelaccommodations.The summer board meeting was busy, to say the least. The committees and

projects put in place by Dale Shaner last summer are active and having impacton our society and in the public. Have you noticed that weed science topics arein the news and that our journals and society are being acknowledged? This isthe result of efforts by the public relations committee chaired by JanisMcFarland. The fact that our members are publishing the results of research ontimely topics in our publications greatly helps our exposure as well. The publicrelations committee is working tirelessly to develop articles for release that aretargeted to the general audience. Committee members are Janis McFarland(chair), Mike Chandler, Carol Mallory-Smith, Lee Van Wychen, John Jachetta,and Tony White. As of September 1 the following titles have been released:Invasive Plants Threaten National Landscapes, Four Things You Need to Know aboutWhat Might be Lurking in Your Garden, and Wildfires: Fueling the Argument forIncreased Invasive Weed Control. The articles can be accessed by clicking on thePress Room section of the society web site, http://www.wssa.net/WSSA/PressRoom/index.htm. WSSA has contracted with Achieva, Inc. for an additionalthree months to continue to publish regular press releases. Please contact Janisor one of the committee members if you have topics to suggest or to volunteeryour services to this effort.

CONTINUED on pg 2 ��

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

IN THIS ISSUEAnnual Meeting Update . . . . . . . . 4

Chicago Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . 6

WSSA Survey Results . . . . . . . . . . 9

Weeds Across Borders . . . . . . . . 10

Washington Report . . . . . . . . . . 12

NEWSS News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Necrology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Position Announcements . . . . . 19

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . 21

WSSA NewsletterEditor Change

I have been privileged to serve asyour WSSA Newsletter Editor for thepast 12 years. It has been a tremen-dous opportunity to get to know somany great people in our society, andsee so many facets of this organiza-tion. However, with my stepping intothe presidential succession, it’s timeto pass the newsletter torch on. Dr.Clifford “Trey” Koger of the DeltaResearch and Extension Center,Mississippi State University, will beassuming these responsibilities, effec-tive with the January 2008 issue. I’msure Trey will do an outstanding job,and continue to look for opportuni-ties to better facilitate communica-tions within our organization, andto others around the world. Pleaseprovide him the same support andcooperation that you have to me overthe years. Trey’s contact informationis provided elsewhere in this news-letter.Again, thanks to everyone for your

friendship, your cooperation, andyour support.

David Shaw

WSSA NEWSLETTERVOL. 35, NO. 4 OCTOBER, 2007

Published quarterly by the Weed Sci-ence Society of America. Subscriptionincluded in the annual dues paid bymembers of the Society. Address corre-spondence and information to:

Dr. Clifford Koger (Trey), EditorWSSA NEWSLETTERDelta Research and Extension CenterMississippi State UniversityP. O. Box 197Stoneville, MS [email protected](662) 686-9311 Office(662) 686-7336 Fax

WSSAFUTURE MEETINGSITES AND DATES

2008Hilton Chicago720 S. Michigan Ave.Chicago, IL 60605Tel: 1-312-922-4400February 4–7, 2008www.wssa.netJeffrey Derr, ProgramChair

2009Orlando, FL

2 WSSA Newsletter October, 2007

The Professional Development Committee chaired by Tracy Sterling summa-rized the results of the member survey (developed by Chad Brommer) for theboard at the summer meeting. The survey results were somewhat surprising tous but provided good feedback on activities we can provide to enhance profes-sional development opportunities for society members. The results of the surveyhave also been shared with the membership committee (Mike Owen, chair) andthe Graduate Student Organization (Wade Givens, President) for their com-ments and use. Please see Tracy’s article in this newsletter for an update on thecommittee’s activities and see the survey results posted on the web site. Weappreciate all the work done by this committee but need to continue the effortsto incorporate their suggestions into the way we do business. Sarah Ward is thenew committee chair and is working with Jeff Derr to begin to implement someof the recommendations at the 2008 meeting. Please contact Sarah to volunteeryour services to this effort.Steve Dewey has begun his tenure as the Weed Science Subject Matter Expert

with EPA, commuting to Washington once a month to work at the agency. LeeVan Wychen continues to be a dynamic force in Washington working as theDirector of Science Policy. Nelroy Jackson is extremely busy working on the pro-gram for the 2009 National Invasive Weed Awareness Week. Please see updateson all these activities in this newsletter. The Terminology Committee, chaired byCorey Ransom, agreed to take on the difficult assignment to develop definitionsfor terms used by us, the public, and policy makers to describe different classesof weedy plants (please see Lee Van Wychen’s article in the July 2007 newsletterfor a discussion of the issues). Please contact Corey or a member of his commit-tee to volunteer your thoughts on the issue.Publication activities are progressing at an amazing pace. The Invasive Plant

Science and Management Journal with Joe DiTomaso as editor and Janet Clark asProgramManager will be published ahead of schedule! We are indebted to bothof these individuals, to Vanelle Peterson who has championed this initiativesince 2006, to the new journal committee co-chaired by Vanelle and Lars Ander-son, to the members who volunteered to serve as associate editors, and to thescientists and land managers who have volunteered papers for the inauguraledition. We will have an opportunity to celebrate the publication of the firstissue of this new journal at the annual meeting in Chicago. The ninth edition ofthe Herbicide Handbook will soon be available. Scott Senseman and his commit-tee have completely revised and reformatted this handbook and the result is anexcellent publication. Their efforts are greatly appreciated.James V. Anderson was selected to succeed Michael Foley as Director of

Publications effective at the close of the meeting in February. Mike has servedthe society for two terms and we appreciate all he has done for our publications.Please give James your full support as he begins his tenure in this critical posi-tion with the society.Neil Harker agreed to accept the position of editor ofWeedTechnology upon the death of John Wilcut. Neil will serve ably as the new editor.John will be remembered as a champion of our discipline and for his manycontributions to the society as a member, scientist, author, and editor. Trey Kogerwill be taking over responsibilities as newsletter editor from David Shaw andWun Chao was selected to serve as the next abstract editor succeeding RobertKremer. I would like to thank all of these individuals for their service to thesociety.The web site continues to evolve and improve thanks to the work of web mas-

ter David Kruger, the web editor, Tom Fermanian, and the web site committee.The committee, chaired by Ed Luschei, continues to develop recommendationsand procedures for organizing, updating, and monitoring content on the site.The web site is an important tool for providing information and news related toweed science to our members and the public. The site transformation began in2005 when Carol Mallory-Smith appointed a special committee chaired by Jeff


PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CONTINUED from pg 1

THINK NEWSLETTERDeadline for January issue

December 1, 2007

WSSA HOME PAGEACCESSED AT:

www.wssa.net

Derr to make recommendations for upgrading the website, recognizing the need for a fully functional site as thecenter point for our organization. Their efforts need to berecognized along with the continuing contributions of thecurrent web site committee.Planning for the 2009 joint meeting with the Southern

Weed Science Society in Orlando, Florida is underway.David Shaw (WSSA Vice-President) and Dan Reynolds(SWSS Vice-President) are working to offer an outstand-ing meeting program. Please watch for planning updatesover the coming year. In addition, planning for the 2010concurrent meeting with the Society of Range Manage-ment in Denver, Colorado is also underway. Rod Lym ischairing a joint planning committee to work out the meet-ing logistics between our two organizations. Both thesemeetings are a departure from our normal meetingprocess; we are optimistic that these efforts will enhanceour ability to bring excellent programming and new ideasto our annual meeting.Finally, the board held our second annual tactical plan-

ning session at the recent summer board meeting. Theplanning committee, Mike Barrett, John Jachetta, and JillSchroeder, worked with our facilitator, Thomas Sullivan,to develop a process for evaluating the many projectsunderway in the society. The process we developedassesses the risks and rewards of proposed and ongoingprojects using stage gates to determine whether the proj-ect furthers the goals of the society without causingundue stress on either our volunteer or financialresources. During the meeting, we evaluated several proj-ects as ‘test cases’ to determine how well the processworked and spent time revising the questions we need toask about projects as they move through stage gates frominitiation to mature projects. We are currently providing

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CONTINUED from pg 2

feedback to the champions of projects evaluated in oursession and are revising the process so that it can be incor-porated into the manual of operating procedures of thesociety. I will provide a complete report on the proposedprocess once it is finalized and before the next meeting.In closing, I want to thank all of you for your work on

behalf of our discipline and the society. I especially wantto thank the members who have volunteered to serve onthe board for their dedication and time. The board goesout of their way to work on society activities and to attendthe summer and annual board meetings. The summermeeting was excellent; the board members are collegialand congenial. All members were prepared for the meet-ing and worked to streamline the meeting so that wecould spend additional time discussing projects andissues. Board members may agree or disagree vigorouslywith each other during the meeting but everyone respectsour final decisions as the consensus of the group. Thankyou also to Lee Van Wychen and to Joyce Lancaster for alltheir work year round.Finally, I want to ask you for your ideas and input.

Please take the time to look at the website and providecontent information to the web editor, the website com-mittee chaired by Ed Luschei, or through our WSSA com-mittees (maintenance committee assignments were out-lined in the April 2007 newsletter). The web site will onlybe effective if it is maintained, and member input is criti-cal to keeping the content current. In addition, pleaseshare your questions or suggestions about the societywith me or other members of the board. We need yourinput.

Jill [email protected]


SCHOLARSHIP FUNDSFor Students in Aquatic Plant Management

The Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS) announces the availability of scholarshipfunds and/or student stipends for college students focusing in the field of aquatic plant management.

Scholarships in the amount of $5,000 are available to graduate students that are studying some aspectof aquatic plant management or algal management.

Student stipends up to $5,000 are available for undergraduate students working on a project related toaquatic plant management.

For more information about the funding opportunities, application requirements, and deadlines, pleasevisit the NEAPMS website at www.neapms.net <http://www.neapms.net>, and click on scholarships.Links to summaries of projects that have already received funding are also available at this site.


2008 ANNUAL MEETING UPDATEJeffrey Derr, Program Chair

Plans are progressing well for the 48th annual WSSAmeeting in Chicago February 4-7, 2008. The host is theHilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago,Illinois, 60605. Tel: 1-312-922-4400.Our keynote speaker will be Mr. Orion Samuelson,

Agribusiness Director since 1960 for WGN radio inChicago. His program is heard daily on 260 radio sta-tions with his national farm report. See the bio on Mr.Samuelson in this newsletter.A number of people are working with me on the pro-

gram, resulting in a solid list of learning opportunities.Aaron Hager, local arrangements chair, and his committeehave developed a tour of the Chicago Botanic Gardens forSunday, February 3, 2008. Lori Wiles and David Shawhave developed a GIS workshop for Monday, February 4and also have developed a symposium on the use of GISfor invasive species research. See details on the work-shop later in this newsletter. Fred Salzman, working withthe Horticultural Crops section, is developing aVegetable Herbicide Roundtable discussion. DelDelfosse and his colleagues will host a USDA -ARSWeedScience workshop at the Hilton Chicago after the WSSAmeeting. Although it will add a few extra days to yourtrip, please consider staying for, and participating in, thisimportant review of the ARS weed science efforts.Six symposia were chosen for the Chicago meeting.

Two will address the invasive plant area and two willfocus on glyphosate issues – resistance and complimen-tary herbicides. One will focus on weed genomics andone will address publishing in WSSA journals as part ofthe graduate student program in Chicago. I would like tothank the organizers for putting together these excellentsymposia.

1) Title: Invasive Plant Species and the New Bioeconomy– Organizers: Adam Davis, Dan Brainard and EricGallandt2) Title: GIS for Invasive Weed Management andResearch – Organizers: Lori Wiles, David Shaw, andLisa Rew3) Title: Charting the Course for Weed Genomics –Organizers: Patrick Tranel and Neal Stewart4) Title: The Role, Value, and Importance ofComplementary Herbicides for Weed Management inGlyphosate-Tolerant Crops – Organizers: D. R. Forneyand David W. Saunders5) Title: Glyphosate Resistance Mechanisms: CurrentUnderstanding and New Insights – Organizer: Vijay K.Nandula6) Tips and Tricks for Journal Writing: What EveryoneNeeds to Know for Preparing Submissions to WSSAJournals (Graduate Student Organization) –Organizer: Wade Givens

CONDENSED SCHEDULE48th Annual WSSA MeetingHilton Chicago • February 4–7, 2008

Sunday, February 3, 2008Tour of Chicago Botanic GardenBoard of Directors meeting

Monday, February 4, 2008GIS workshopCommittee meetingsBoard of Directors meetingExhibit and Poster setupGeneral session and awards presentationAwards reception

Tuesday, February 5, 2008Poster sectionBreakout sessionsSymposium: Tips and Tricks for Journal Writing:What Everyone Needs to Know for PreparingSubmissions to WSSA Journals

Graduate student luncheon/business meetingSymposium: GIS for Invasive Weed Managementand Research

Wednesday, February 6, 2008Poster sectionBreakout sessionsSymposium: Glyphosate Resistance Mechanisms:Current Understanding and New Insights

Roundtable discussion – Invasive Plant Scienceand Management journal

Symposium: The Role, Value, and Importance ofComplementary Herbicides for WeedManagement in Glyphosate-Tolerant Crops

Symposium: Invasive Plant Species and the NewBioeconomy

Society Business MeetingReception

Thursday, February 7, 2008Symposium: Charting the Course for Weed GenomicsBreakout sessionsVegetable Herbicide Roundtable

Friday, February 8, 2008ARS Weed Science WorkshopBoard of Directors meeting

Saturday February 9, 2008ARS Weed Science Workshop

Sunday February 10, 2008ARS Weed Science Workshop


2008 ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE


Keynote Speaker: Mr. Orion Samuelson

Orion Samuelson is heardsix days a week on WGNRadio in Chicago, where hehas served as AgribusinessDirector since 1960. Orion andhis associate, Max Armstrong,present 16 agricultural reportsdaily on the station. Orion isalso heard daily on 260 radiostations with his syndicatedNational Farm Report and on110 stations with his syndicat-ed Samuelson Sez. Orion and Max are seen weekly onRFD-TV as co-hosts of This Week in Agri-Business.Orion’s life long commitment to agriculture has been

recognized by organizations in all segments of agri-busi-ness. In 1998, the American Farm Bureau Federationhonored Orion and Senator Bob Dole with the AFBFDistinguished Service Award. In 1997, Illinois GovernorJim Edgar renamed the State Fair Junior LivestockBuilding the Orion Samuelson Junior Livestock Buildingas a tribute to Orion’s four decades of service to the agri-cultural youth of Illinois. In 2001 the University ofIllinois conferred Orion with the Honorary Degree ofDoctor of Letters; and in 2003, Orion received the highestaward in the radio industry when he became the firstAgribusiness Broadcaster to be inducted into theNational Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Hall of FamerPaul Harvey presented the award to Orion on the nation-al radio broadcast hosted by Larry King.Orion is also in the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame, the

National 4-H Hall of Fame, the Illinois Broadcasters Hallof Fame, the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame, andthe National Association of Farm Broadcasters Hall ofFame. Orion has traveled with his television crew to 43countries to cover agriculture; four of his trips were offi-cial agricultural trade missions with the Secretary ofAgriculture. During his 1989 trip to Taiwan, Orion waspresented the International Communicator of the YearAward by the President of the Republic of China.Orion is active outside broadcasting. He is Chairman

of the Board of the Illinois Agricultural LeadershipFoundation, a member of the Farm Foundation BennettRound Table, a member of the Board of the AgricultureFuture of America, a member of the Board of Farm Safety4 Just Kids, a member of the Board of Directors of theFoods Resource Bank, a Trustee of the CornerstoneFoundation of Lutheran Social Services in Illinois and anewly-named member of the Board of Trustees of theNational 4-H Council.

USDA-ARS Weed Science WorkshopEarnest ‘Del’ Delfosse and Barbara Zapp

The USDA - Agricultural Research Service (ARS) willhold a Weed Science Workshop at the Chicago Hiltonfrom February 8–10, 2008, immediately following theWSSA Annual Meeting. This Workshop is part of theretrospective review of ARS National Program 304,“Crop Protection and Quarantine,” of which weed sci-ence research is a major part. The purpose of this invita-tion-only Workshop is to gather customer input for thenext five-year cycle of ARS research related to WeedScience. ARS will use information from this Workshop,along with other inputs, to prepare a new weed researchplan that will cover the next five years.

WSSA Workshop – GIS forWeed Management and Research

Lori Wiles and David Shaw

Monday, February 4, 2008, 9:00 am to 4:00 pmCost per attendee: $100.00 (does not include lunch)Preregistration required – see the meeting preregis-tration form. Workshop must have a minimum of 20individuals.

Researchers, federal, state and county land managersand even citizen scientists are mapping infestations ofinvasive weeds with GIS. There are classes and manualson how to map weed infestations, but little informationon what can be learned from these maps with either sim-ple or advanced methods of GIS, even though this is anessential tool for invasive weed management andresearch. This one day workshop will provide an intro-duction to the use of Geographic Information Systems(GIS) and will focus on analysis and examples related toinvasive weeds. Experienced instructors from theGeoResources Institute at Mississippi State Universitywill lead the workshop. A related GIS symposium willfollow during the WSSA meeting. The symposium willbe an added introduction to GIS for scientists who arenot familiar with this tool and an opportunity for WSSAmembers who use GIS to meet experts and learn newapproaches. Check the WSSAwebsite for more informa-tion about the workshop.

Workshop Details

GIS OverviewBasic overview and explanation on GIS concepts will

be discussed to in order to give the audience a basicunderstanding in preparation for the topics to be cov-ered during the symposium.


2008 ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE CONTINUED from pg 4


Web-Based Mapping for Plant Detection andManagementWeb-based GIS enables the rapid dissemination of

geographic data to a large audience. A plant database isbeing generated and coupled with a web-based GIS forthis purpose. Project details will be discussed along witha demonstration.

Invasive Aquatic Mapping Using GPS and GISA cost effective and efficient method to survey large

areas and collect large quantities of data on the distribu-tion and abundance of aquatic macrophytes is to conducta point intercept survey. We have refined the point inter-cept survey to include the use of ruggedized notebookcomputers and hand held units enabled with GPS capa-bility. Techniques used and overview of project will bediscussed and demonstrated.

GIS-Based Modeling for Prediction of Invasive WeedsGeographic Information Systems [GIS] are well suited

for studies involving habitat delineation or habitat suit-

ability indexing. A GIS model can be constructed whichidentifies areas of convergence for the environmentaland ecological factors which provide desirable habitatfor a species of interest. GIS models can be refined usinglogistic regression models and other statistical permuta-tions to get a more “real world” view of species dynam-ics. GIS models can further be expanded by integratingthem with existing models designed to look at biomassproduction and water quality. The case study presentedhere uses the ArcGIS suite of software with theModelBuilder application to examine habitat modelingof Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum). Thisapproach could be used on any species, however, forwhich models of colonization can be determined.

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Multi-Year Weed DataTechniques will be discussed and demonstrated that

analyze multi-year weed data. The techniques demon-strated will give insight into the behavior of weed popu-lations over time.

2008 ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE CONTINUED from pg 5

If you have some free time during the annual meeting inChicago, there are a lot of activities in the area. See thelist below for some possibilities. I would like to thankAaron Hager, local arrangements chair, and his commit-tee: Dean Riechers, Pat Tranel, Dave Thomas, GeorgeCzapar, Dawn Nordby, Bryan Young, Jeff Bunting, JerryDoll, Adam Davis, Mr. Paul Vassalotti, John Masiunas,Loyd Wax, and Matthew Foes for their assistance withthis list. Information on the opera was provided by DaleShaner.

Activities Close to the Hotel� Adler Planetarium – 5 blocks

� Art Institute – 5 blocks

� Broadcast Museum – 9 blocks

� Chicago Symphony Center – 5 blocks

� Field Museum of Natural History – 3 blocks

� John G. Shedd Aquarium – 4 blocks

� Lyric Opera – 1.2 miles

� Magnificent Mile – 1.5 miles

� Museum of Contemporary Art – 1.8 miles

� Museum of Science and Industry – 5 miles

� Sears Tower – 8 blocks

John G. Shedd AquariumSheddAquarium has been a Chicago icon and a leader

in the zoo and aquarium profession for more than three-quarters of a century. Arrive early — Shedd is a popularplace, and it can get crowded, especially on weekends, inthe summer and on holidays. Sunday mornings, whenthe aquarium is least crowded, are a great time forrelaxed, family visits. John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S.Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, Phone: 312-939-2438 http://www.sheddaquarium.org/

Lyric OperaLyric Opera of Chicago is recognized internationally

as one of the great opera companies of our time. Thecompany, originally known as The Lyric Theatre ofChicago was founded in 1954. There is an opera“Falstaff” on Wednesday night, February 6, 2008 at 7:30pm. Their website is http://www.lyricopera.org/ .

Activities Near ChicagoArgonne National LaboratoryArgonne is one of the U. S. government’s oldest and

largest science and engineering research laboratories –the largest in the Midwest. Argonne is managed for theU. S. Department of Energy by UChicago Argonne, LLC.Argonne has five major mission areas, each of which ful-fills important governmental and Department of Energy



responsibilities, as well as provides important benefits toour society at large. They are: Conducting basic scientificresearch to further our understanding of the world welive in. Argonne conducts basic experimental and theo-retical scientific research in the physical, life, and envi-ronmental sciences, Operating national scientific facili-ties to help advance America’s scientific leadership.Argonne operates world-class research facilities like theAdvanced Photon Source, Enhancing the nation’s energyresources to ensure America’s energy future. Argonne isworking to develop and evaluate advanced energy tech-nologies, developing better ways to manage environ-mental problems. Argonne is at the forefront in develop-ing new ways to manage and solve the nation’s environ-mental problems and to promote environmental stew-ardship. National Security has increased in significancein recent years for the nation and for Argonne research.Argonne capabilities developed over the years for otherpurposes are helping counter the threats of terrorism.Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S. Cass Avenue,Argonne, IL 60439, 630/252-2000, www.anl.gov/visit-ing/anlil.html .Argonne National Laboratory occupies 1,500 wooded

acres about 25 miles southwest of Chicago’s Loop. Thesite also houses the U.S. Department of Energy’s ChicagoOperations Office. To reach Argonne from O’HareInternational Airport, take I-294 south to I-55. Exit weston I-55 (toward St. Louis) and continue for about fourmiles to Cass Avenue. Exit south on Cass and turn rightat the Argonne sign on Northgate Road, immediatelysouth of I-55. Follow Northgate Road to the ArgonneInformation Center.Argonne tours are by reservation only. Visitors to

Argonne can schedule a guided tour by calling (630) 252-5562. Tours are normally arranged for Saturdays, eitherin the morning or afternoon. Morning tours begin at 9a.m. and end by 11:30 a.m. Afternoon tours begin at 1p.m. and end by 3:30 p.m. Visitors taking the tour mustbe at least 16 years old, but children of any age are wel-come at the Argonne Information Center if accompaniedby an adult. No registration is required to visit the infor-mation center, except for Internet and modern technolo-gy training in the center’s learning lab. For more infor-mation on tours, call at 630/252-5562 or send e-mail [email protected].

Ball Seed CompanyBall Seed Company is the leading wholesale horticul-

tural distributor in North America. This family-ownedcompany supplies professional greenhouse growerswith quality flower seed, an extensive selection of premi-um plugs and plants, plus a line of high-performancegrowing equipment and supplies. Ball Seed Company,West Chicago, Illinois 60185 Phone: 630 231-3500, Fax:630 231-3605 WWW.BallSeed.com

Orchids by Hausermann, Inc.Hausermann, Inc. is one of the oldest and largest

orchid growers in the Midwest. They offer a wide selec-tion of Cattleya and Phalaenopsis Mericloned orchids,other orchid species, and related orchid hybrids as wellas Paphiopediliums and Phragmipediums. Greenhousetour hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Their addressand phone number is Orchids By Hausermann, 2N134Addison Road, Villa Park, IL 60181-1191 phone 630/543-6855, email [email protected] .Orchids by Hausermann, Inc. is located 20 miles west of

downtown Chicago in Villa Park. From Chicago, go weston 290 15miles, then exit NorthAvenue – Route 64 (exit 13B). Take North Avenue west 4 miles to Addison Road,then turn right (north) on Addison Road, two blocks toour orchid greenhouse on the west side of the street.

Spraying Systems CompanySpraying Systems Co. is the world’s leader in spray

technology. Spraying Systems Co. is the world’s leadingmanufacturer of industrial spray products, offering morethan 87,000 different spray nozzles and accessories.Nozzles are readily available in thousands of sizes, hun-dreds of configurations and dozens of materials. And,with 12 manufacturing facilities throughout NorthAmerica, South America, Europe and Asia, we canquickly deliver to customers anywhere in the world.Spraying Systems Co., P.O. Box 7900, Wheaton, Illinois60189-7900 USA. Phone (630) 665-5000, Fax (630) 260-0842, Email [email protected] Systems Co. is easily accessible from either of

the major Chicago airports or from the Loop. Please fol-low these directions and call our switchboard if you needassistance. From: Chicago O’Hare International AirportTo: North Ave. and Schmale Rd., Carol Stream, ILDriving Distance: 18.6 miles Time: 32 minutes.

The Morton ArboretumA visit to the 1,700-acre Arboretum can last a few

hours or an entire day. Consider starting with a 60minute introductory guided tour, historical perspectiveof the Arboretum, and highlights of our magnificentlandscapes, featuring plant collections and current sea-sonal events. Hours: The Arboretum is open 365 days ayear! 7 a.m. year-round and will close at 7 p.m. or sunset,whichever is earlier. Admission Fees: $9 ages 18–64 ($6Wednesdays, $8 ages 65+ ($5 Wednesdays), $6 ages 3–17($4 Wednesdays), Free under age 3. Located 25 mileswest of Chicago, The Morton Arboretum is just west ofInterstate 355 and north of I-88 on Illinois Route 53.Address: 4100 Illinois Route 53 · Lisle, IL 60532-1293,phone 630-968-0074.

Wilson NurseriesWilson Nurseries is a large wholesale grower of nurs-


ATTRACTIONS IN CHICAGO AREA CONTINUED from pg 6


ery stock in Northern Illinois. They grow a full line ofB&B and container material (shade and ornamentaltrees, deciduous shrubs, upright and spreading ever-greens, broadleaf evergreens, vines, groundcovers,grasses, perennials, liners, and garden mums). With twolocations, Hampshire and Ingleside, Wilson Nurserieshas the performance capacity to meet the needs of theindividual residential contractor as well as the largecommercial project coordinator. Nestled quietly amongthe native stands of oaks in the Northern Illinois coun-tryside, the Hampshire location supports field and con-tainerized nursery stock, perennials, garden mums,vines and groundcovers, a fully stocked distributionyard and our main office. You are invited to tour ournursery. Please call the location of your choice for anappointment. No time? Take our online tour to get a bet-ter idea of what we have to offer. Hampshire location:phone 847/683-3700; Ingleside location: phone 815/344-0944.

The Chicago Botanic GardenThe Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre living plant

museum featuring 23 distinct display gardens surround-ed by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. Withevents, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is

open every day of the year, except Dec. 25. Admission isfree; select event fees apply. Parking is $15; free for mem-bers. On Tuesdays, senior citizens age 62 and older payjust $7 for parking. The Garden is located at 1000 LakeCook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org,or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of theGarden and commuter transportation information. TheChicago Botanic Garden is easy to find and easy to reach,approximately 20 miles north of Chicago. The Garden islocated at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Illinois.From Chicago, follow the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94)west to Edens Expressway (I-94) and U.S. Route 41. Exitat Lake Cook Road and travel 1/2 mile east to theGarden. The Garden is located near the Glencoe andBraeside Metra train stations on Metra’s Union PacificNorth Line. For a schedule of trains, contact MetraMetropolitan Rail at (312) 322-6777 or www.metrarail.com.Bus connections are available from Davis Street inEvanston, Park Avenue Glencoe and Central StreetHighland Park train stations. Take the #213 bus marked“Northbrook Court.” Buses run north and south onGreen Bay Road and then west on Lake Cook Road to theChicago Botanic Garden. Buses do not run on Sundaysand holidays.

ATTRACTIONS IN CHICAGO AREA CONTINUED from pg 7

Just in time for fall quarter!

The newly revised and updated classic reference,

Ecology of Weeds and Invasive Plants:Relationship to Agriculture and Natural Resource Management

Third Editionby S. R. Radosevich, J. S. Holt, and C. M. Ghersa

was released in August 2007 and is now available for purchasefrom John Wiley for $74.95.

To link directly to the publisher:http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0471767794.html

The Third Edition of the authoritative reference givesreaders an in-depth understanding of how weeds andinvasive plants develop and interact in the environmentso they can manage and control them more effectively.The guide includes an introduction to weeds and inva-sive plants in various environments an an overview oftheir ecology and evolution. With extensive examples, it:• Focuses on the biological features of weeds andinvasive plants, especially as they exist in agriculture,forests, rangelands, and natural ecosystems

• Includes coverage of exotic invasive plants• Discusses a variety of methods and tools for manag-

ing weeds and invasive plants, including physical,cultural, biological, and chemical approaches

• Examines systems approaches for management,including modern Integrated Pest Management

• Addresses future challenges for scientists, farmers,and land managersThis is the definitive, hands-on reference for land man-

agers and professionals in plant sciences, agronomy,weed science, and horticulture. It is also an excellent text-book for senior undergraduate or graduate studentsstudying agriculture, ecology, natural resources manage-ment, environmental management, or related fields.


Report from the WSSA Professional Development CommitteeIn August 2006, Dale Shaner

formed an ad-hoc committee ofindustry, government, and universityrepresentatives across the U. S. andCanada to investigate how WSSAmight better serve its members in thearea of professional development.During Fall 2006, the committeereviewed what other societies aredoing in the area of professionaldevelopment and recommended tothe board that WSSA expand thearray of learning experiences formembers both at the meeting andthrough the web with specific atten-tion in the areas of networking, men-toring, career development and on-line resources. At the San Antoniomeeting, Chad Brommer put togetherseveral creative posters showing thevarious careers in Weed Science, andJohn Willis, Chair of the GraduateStudent Organization, worked withthe web editor to videotape and postthe Graduate Student Symposium oninterviewing at the WSSA web site.We hope to continue to work with theWeb Editor to post additional high-lights from our national meetings.This spring, the committee posted a

survey to the membership askingyour input on Professional Develop-

ment needs. Survey results supportthe need for WSSA to provide careerand professional development pro-gramming with greater emphasisbeing placed on the development ofnew research skills and networking.Please find a summary of surveyresults in this newsletter or go to theWSSA website (http://wssa.net/WSSA/SocietyInfo/BallotsSurveys.htm) for the entire survey results. Iwant to thank Chad Brommer, EmoryUniversity, for his tireless efforts increating and posting the survey. It isthrough volunteers like Chad thatour society will continue to improveand better serve all of us.The committee continues to work

with Program Chair, Jeffrey Derr, tooffer additional networking opportu-nities at the 2008 Chicago meetingand future forums. Please let us knowif you have an interest in serving onthe committee or additional ideaswhich will enhanceWSSA’s service toits members. I am delighted to an-nounce that Sarah Ward, ColoradoState University, has agreed to serveas this next year’s chair; she hasmany great ideas and has alreadystarted working with Jeff on nextyear’s program. It has been a pleas-

ure serving as chair this past yearwith such a diverse and committedgroup; the success of WSSA trulyrests in the willingness of its mem-bers to contribute and move thesociety forward as our discipline con-tinues to change.

Respectfully submitted,Professional DevelopmentCommittee Chair

Tracy M. SterlingNew Mexico State University

Members:Randy AndersonGreg ArmelHugh BeckieChad BrommerDoug DoohanMichael FidanzaDave HorvathDawn NordbyJ. Pablo Morales PayanCurtis RainboltTracy Sterling, Chair, 2006–2007Neal StewartDonn ThillRene Van AckerSarah Ward, Chair, 2007–2008John Willis, Graduate Student Rep.

Weed Science Society Professional Development Survey Summary – June 2007Objective: To obtain feedback from theWSSAmembershipto determine if WSSA Society is supporting its member-ship in the areas of career and professional development.

Summary: There were 301 respondents to the surveywhich is a response rate of ca. 20%; 27 graduate studentsresponded for a response rate of ca. 30%. Each regionalsociety and career position was represented in theresponses. There were few significant gender or age differ-ences with respect to survey responses. Most respondentshad been members of WSSA for 11 or more years and haveheld between 1–3 positions in their career. Survey resultssupport the need for WSSA to provide career and profes-sional development programming with greater emphasisbeing placed on the development of new research skillsand networking. Specifically, most respondents felt thaton-line resources for career development were not impor-tant for their career advancement; however, they feltannual meetings, journals, and job announcement oppor-tunities provided by WSSA were helping advance theircareers. A majority of the respondents would consider anew career opportunity if given the opportunity, and thus

would like to continue to enhance their networking and jobapplication skills; most respondents felt that learning newresearch skills was important to career development.Overall, respondents were more willing to act as mentorsthan they were to be mentored. Most respondents were inthe undecided range about their desired level of participa-tion in career forums, but felt that networking was thestrongest career development need area. Developing pro-fessional skills was viewed as being moderately importantto career development. Most respondents felt that theannual meeting was somewhat or slightly important todeveloping their careers. Data from each survey question issummarized by response groups at the WSSA website(http://wssa.net/WSSA/SocietyInfo/BallotsSurveys.htm).Individual comments andprevalent themes are also presented.The committee is working with the board and WSSA

members to use this information for advancing the mem-bership offerings by the society.

Submitted by:Chad Brommer, Emory UniversityTracy M. Sterling, New Mexico State University


Weeds Across Borders (WAB)is a biennial international conferencecovering the interests of professionals and organizations involved in weed management and regulation.

of organizations from various jurisdictions across North Americawith a common interest in sharinginformation and promoting weedmanagement throughout NorthAmerica. Because weeds do not obey human imposed laws or boundaries, we must develop partnerships, share information, coordinate programs and projects that cross these boundaries.

The goal of the conference is toprovide a forum for educating, sharing and disseminating knowledge about weedmanagement, regulatory issues and concernsabout weed dispersal across and between all jurisdictional boundaries in Mexico, Canada and the United States.

WEEDS ACROSS BORDERS

Weeds Across Borders (WAB)

covering the interests of professionals

America. Because weeds do not obey

information, coordinate programs and

provide a forum for educating, sharing and disseminating knowledge about weed management, regulatory issues and concerns about weed dispersal across and between all jurisdictional boundaries in Mexico, Canada and the

2008200820082008

The conference will be hosted by the Alberta Invasive Plants Council(AIPC) with major partnership of the U.S. Federal Highway Administration,

Okanogan County Noxious Weed Control Board and the North American

organization whose mandate is to increase education and awareness about the impacts of invasive plants in Alberta and to facilitate and encourage cooperation

and coordination on weed management within and adjacent to Alberta.

The 2008 WAB conference will be held in Banff, Alberta, Canada from May 27-30 to continue to raise awareness of the ecological, economic and social impacts of invasive species

throughout North America. Continued continental cooperation across traditional boundaries will encourage the prevention and control of non-native plants.

Please pass this announcement on to anyone who might be interested.

Note that the WAB 2008 web pages will be established at the Alberta Invasive Plants Council web site at www.invasiveplants.ab.ca. All theinformation you will need for registration, travel and accommodation will be at this site and will begin to appear soon.

The Call for Papers information is listed on page 11 on this Newsletter!


Weeds Across Borders 2008Call for Papers

Abstract acceptance deadline: January 25, 2008

Notification date: February 15, 2008

Event date: May 27-30, 2008

The Weeds Across Borders Organizing committee is now accepting oral and poster presentationabstracts. This is an international conference covering the interests of professionals and organiza-tions involved in weed management and regulation. The purpose of the conference is to helppromote awareness of the ecological, economic and social impacts of invasive species throughoutNorth America. Continued continental cooperation across traditional boundaries will encourage theprevention and control of non-native plants.

Oral presentation topics for which papers are being solicited are listed below.Please submit abstracts in English – no later than January 25, 2008 – to Karen Sundquist [email protected]. You will be contacted by February 15, 2008 if your presentation hasbeen accepted.

Poster abstracts are not restricted to this outline. Posters may be provided on any topic related toinvasive plant management.

Note: ALL ACCEPTED PAPERS MUST BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY BYMAY 2, 2008 TO BE INCLUDED IN PROCEEDINGS.

WAB 2008 Agenda outline:

• STATUS REPORT PER NATION: CONTINENTAL COOPERATION and PARTNERSHIPS

• APPLIED RESEARCH REPORTS

• NEW ISSUES

• EARLY DETECTION RAPID RESONSE

• BEST MANAGEMENT TOOLS & PRACTICES

• ECONOMIC and ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS – TODAY & IN THE FUTURE

• PUBLIC POLICY AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

• OPEN DISCUSSION FORUM


WASHINGTONREPORTWASHINGTONREPORT by Lee Van Wychen, Director of Science Policy

WEED SCIENTISTS:APPLY FOR 1 OF OVER 100AAAS FELLOWSHIPSThe American Association for the

Advancement of Science (AAAS)solicits candidates from a broad arrayof disciplinary backgrounds to applyfor a year-long Science and Tech-nology Policy Fellowship inWashing-ton, DC. Fellows come from a rangeof sectors, including academia, indus-try, and non-profits, and represent aspectrum of career stages from recentPhD graduates to faculty on sabbati-cal, to retired scientists and engineers.The age range of the 2006 Fellowsclass was 26 to 66. The AAAS alsoserves as the “umbrella” organizationfor other scientific societies that spon-sor a Fellow, such as the AmericanSociety of Agronomy.TheAAAS Fellowship program is a

great opportunity to work closelywith federal decision-makers in agen-cies such as the USDA, EPA and theNational Science Foundation amongothers. Fellows receive a stipend ofup to $87,000 for the year. Relocationexpenses of up to $3500 are also pro-vided. The deadline for applicationsfor the 2008-2009 Fellowship class isDecember 20, 2007. For more infor-mation, please visit:http://fellowships.aaas.org

2007 FARM BILL PASSED BYHOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESThe House of Representatives

passed the 2007 Farm Bill (H.R. 2419)by a vote of 231–191. The Senate willmark up their version of the 2007Farm Bill when they return toWashington, DC after Labor Day. The2002 Farm Bill expires on September30, 2007.The House Farm Bill vote was

unusually partisan (instead of geo-graphically divided) due to a lastminute move by Democrats to findmoney to pay for the bill’s nutritionprograms. Democrats said the fundswould come from closing tax loop-

holes that allowed foreign companiesin the United States to shelter theirearnings in tax havens. Republicanscalled the move a tax increase thatwould cost American jobs. The WhiteHouse has threatened a possible vetoof the bill because of the tax provisionand because of the level of farm sub-sidy payments. The final House voteof 231–191 fell far short of the marginthat would be needed to override aveto, but many things could changewith the Senate version of the FarmBill and the final conference agree-ment between both chambers.Despite the partisan wrangling,

there are some good proposed changesin the House version of the Farm Billthat will benefit our discipline:• $1.6 billion in priorities tostrengthen and support the fruitand vegetable industry in theUnited States. A new section forHorticulture and OrganicAgriculture includes nutrition,research, pest management andtrade promotion programs.

• Making important new invest-ments in renewable energyresearch, development and pro-duction in rural America. Whilethe Energy Title (Section 9) doesnot exclusively prohibit the plant-ing of known invasive plants forbiomass production, Section 9008(g)5(C) states that the Secretariesof Agriculture and Energy shallonly support biofuels research thatis “consistent with the integrity ofsoil and water resources and withother environmental considera-tions.”

• Amends certain conservation pro-grams to improve awareness andfinancial assistance to land man-agers who focus on pest manage-ment practices. Some of thesechanges include:° Allowing producers to conductprescribed grazing for the con-trol of invasive species onConservation Reserve Program(CRP) lands.

° Providing flexible assistance toproducers enrolled in theEnvironmental QualityIncentives Program (EQIP) toinstall and maintain conserva-tion practices that: A) enhancesoil, water, and related naturalresources, including grazingland, forestland, wetland, andwildlife; and B) conserve energy.

° Assisting producers in EQIP tomake beneficial, cost effectivechanges to cropping systems,grazing management, energyuse, forest management, pest orirrigation management, or otherpractices on agricultural andforested land including controlof invasive species.

• Establishes a new NationalAgriculture Research ProgramOffice (NARPO) composed of 6Program Offices, each led by aDirector appointed by the UnderSecretary for Research, Educationand Economics, currently Dr. GaleBuchanan. The purpose of NARPOis to coordinate the programs andactivities of USDA’s researchagencies “in an integrated, multi-disciplinary, interdisciplinary,interagency, and interinstitutionalmanner” to minimize duplicationand maximize coordination at alllevels.° The 6 Program Office are:(1) Renewable energy, naturalresources, and environment ;(2) Food safety, nutrition, andhealth; (3) Plant health and pro-duction; (4) Animal health andproduction and animal products;(5) Agriculture systems and tech-nology; and (6) Agriculture eco-nomics and rural communities.

° The Under Secretary shall fundeach Program Office through theappropriations available to thevarious agencies within theresearch, education and econom-ics mission area. The aggregatestaff for all Program Offices shall


not exceed 30 full-time equiva-lent positions and shall be filledby current full-time equivalentpositions.

° The Under Secretary shall inte-grate leadership functions of thenational program staff of theresearch agencies (i.e. CSREES,ARS, ERS) into NARPO toensure that the Directors of theProgram Offices are the primaryprogram leaders for the missionareas of the integrated agenciesand that administrative duplica-tion does not occur.

HOUSE FY2008 AGAPPROPRIATIONS BILL LEAVESMUCH TO BE DESIREDRep. Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT) is the

new chair of the House AgricultureAppropriations Subcommittee. Whilethere is still hope that she will com-prehend the value of agriculturalresearch and extension, her subcom-mittee’s FY2008 Agriculture, RuralDevelopment, Food and Drug Ad-ministration Appropriations Bill leftmuch to be desired. While her fund-ing priorities such as food stampsand nutrition programs were notunexpected, it seems clear that weneed to convince her and her staffabout the importance of agriculturalresearch. Independent studies haveshown that the average social rate ofreturn to public investment in agri-cultural research ranges from 35 to53 percent. Agricultural research in-vestments will influence agriculturalproductivity in as few as 2 years andthe impact will be felt for as long as30 years. These returns are shared byall levels of the industry, from pro-ducers to consumers.In the House-passed Agriculture

Appropriations Bill on August 3,USDA-ARS would receive $1.1 bil-lion, a decrease of $52 million belowFY2007. USDA-CSREES would re-ceive $671 million, the same asFY2007. Within USDA-CSREES, theNational Research Initiative (NRI)would get $190 million, the same asFY2007. The NRI, authorized at $500million annually, has been slowlyincreasing over the past 6 years, at

least keeping pace with inflation. Wewill definitely lose ground if theHouse Agriculture AppropriationsSubcommittee flat lines the NRI.Meanwhile, the Food Stamp Pro-

gram is provided at $39.8 billion, anincrease of $1.7 billion over 2007.The House ag appropriations billrejects the Administration’s proposalto restrict eligibility for food stampsto families who are receiving otherpublic nutrition services. TheWomen, Infants, and Children (WIC)program gets $5.6 billion, which is$415.6 million above FY2007. I don’twant to sound like a heartless SciencePolicy Director, but it begs the ques-tion of whether a $2 billion increase infood stamp and nutrition programswill provide the same social benefitsand returns to the American peoplecompared to reducing or flat liningagriculture research programs.

EXECUTIVE BRANCH RELEASESFY2009 R&D PRIORITIESOn 16 August, the White House’s

Office of Science and TechnologyPolicy (OSTP) and Office of Manage-ment and Budget (OMB) released theannual memorandum identifyingresearch and development (R&D) pri-orities for the federal government.The memo, which is sent to the headsof executive branch agencies anddepartments, details what programsthe Administration intends to priori-tize during fiscal year (FY) 2009. Toread the full report, please visit:http://www.ostp.gov/html/FY2009FINALOMB-OSTPRDPriority Memo.pdfThe American Competitiveness

Initiative (ACI) remains a focal pointfor the administration, as the Presi-dent has begun work to doubleresearch budgets for the NationalScience Foundation, the Departmentof Energy’s Office of Science, and theDepartment of Commerce’s NationalInstitute of Standards and Technology.The Administration favors R&D

investments that: 1) Advance funda-mental scientific discovery to im-prove future quality of life; 2)Support high-leverage basic researchto spur technological innovation, eco-

nomic competitiveness and new jobgrowth; 3) Strengthen science, mathe-matics and engineering educationbased on the recommendations of theAcademic Competitiveness Counciland the National Math Panel toensure a scientifically literate popula-tion and a supply of qualified techni-cal personnel commensurate withnational need; 4) Enable potentiallyhigh-payoff activities that require aFederal presence to attain long-termnational goals, especially nationalsecurity, energy independence, and anext-generation air transportationsystem; 5) Sustain specifically author-ized agency missions and user facili-ties that support the authorized mis-sions of other agencies; 6) Enhancethe health of our Nation’s people toreduce the burden of illness andincrease productivity while respect-ing the inherent dignity and value ofevery human life; 7) Improve ourability to understand and respond toclimate change and other global envi-ronmental issues and natural disas-ters through better observation, data,analysis, models, and basic and socialscience research; 8) Maximize the effi-ciency and effectiveness of the scienceand technology enterprise throughexpansion of competitive, merit-based peer-review processes; 9) Phaseout programs that are only marginal-ly productive or are not important toan agency’s mission; and, 10) Encour-age interdisciplinary research effortson complex scientific frontiers andstrengthen international partnershipsto accelerate the progress of scienceacross borders.Understanding Complex Biologi-

cal Systems: The memorandumdirects agencies to target research ona deeper understanding of complexbiological systems through multi-dis-ciplinary collaborations aimed atdeveloping new and improved meas-urement and management tools toprovide valid data that can be com-pared across laboratories and plat-forms. Agencies should concentrateresearch at 1) the cellular and sub-cel-lular, and the organism, population,and community levels; and 2) the

WASHINGTON REPORT CONTINUED from pg 12



interface of the life, physical and com-putational sciences.The Administration highlighted

the importance of global earth obser-vations and their supporting role invarious areas of research. Agenciesneed to place a greater emphasis oncoordinating their Earth observationactivities. To ensure coordinated,long-term collection of critical landimaging data, agencies shouldrespond to the recommendations ofthe Future of Land Imaging report intheir budget requests. The full 120page report can be found at:http://www.ostp.gov/html/FLI-I W G % 2 0 r e p o r t % 2 0 P r i n t -ready%20low-res.pdf

EXECUTIVE ORDER 13443:FACILITATION OF HUNTINGHERITAGE AND WILDLIFECONSERVATIONOn August 16, President Bush

issued Executive Order 13443. Thepurpose of this order is to directFederal agencies that have programsand activities that have a measurableeffect on public land management,outdoor recreation, and wildlife man-agement, including the Departmentof the Interior and the Department ofAgriculture, to facilitate the expan-sion and enhancement of huntingopportunities and the management ofgame species and their habitat. Toview the full Executive Order asprinted in the Federal Registrar,please visit:http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/07-4115.htmTo advance the goals of the

Executive Order, President Bush iscalling for a White House Conferenceto convene within the year to focusspecifically on North Americanwildlife policy. Of relevance to weedand invasive plant management,federal agencies are directed to:1) Manage wildlife habitats on publiclands in a manner that expands andenhances hunting opportunities; and2) Work collaboratively with Stategovernments to manage and con-serve game species and their habitatsin a manner that respects privateproperty rights and State manage-ment authority over wildlife resources.

Nearly 700 million acres of publiclands are managed by the depart-ments of the Interior and Agriculture,which is approximately 1/3 of thetotal land area in the United States(2.1 billion acres). And according tothe latest figures released by the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service, more than12 million hunters spend a total of225 million days pursuing theirgame, spending an estimated $23 bil-lion annually on hunting activities.

NEW INVASIVE SPECIESMANAGEMENT BILL INTRODUCEDIN SENATE: 100TH MERIDIANINVASIVE SPECIES STATEREVOLVING LOAN FUND (S. 1949)On August 2, Senate Majority

Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) alongwith co-sponsors Wyden (D-OR),Domenici (R-NM) and Craig (R-ID)introduced the 100th Meridian Inva-sive Species State Revolving LoanFund bill. S. 1949 was referred to theSenate Committee on Energy andNatural Resources, led by Senator’sBingaman and Domenici, both fromNewMexico. S. 1949 defines an inva-sive species as a nonnative speciesintroduced into a specified ecosys-tem, whether intentional or uninten-tional, which causes, or may cause,

WASHINGTON REPORT CONTINUED from pg 13


harm to the economy, the environ-ment, or human, animal, or planthealth.S. 1949 directs the Secretary of the

Interior to provide loans to any com-bination of public or private stake-holders; Federal agencies; Indiantribes; state land, forest, or fish andwildlife management agencies; andacademic institutions in the 13 mostwestern states (NM, CO, WY, MT, ID,UT, AZ, NV, CA, OR, WA, AK, andHI) that demonstrate an effort toaddress or prevent invasive species.In general, 1) at least 25% of the loanmust be repaid directly to the U. S.Treasury Department or through in-kind contributions by each qualifiedorganization; and 2) at least 25% ofthe loan must be repaid by the state inwhich the project is carried out. S.1949 authorizes a federal appropria-tion of $410 million, in total, over 5years (2008 to 2012).Lee Van Wychen, Ph.D.Director of Science PolicyThe National and RegionalWeed Science Societies

900 2nd St. NE, Suite 205Washington, DC [email protected]: 202-746-4686work: 202-408-5388fax: 202-408-5385

For All Contacts:Phone: (800) 627-1326, (785) 843-1234 • Fax: (785) 843-1274

Joyce Lancaster, Executive SecretaryExt. 250; E-mail: [email protected]: Society reimbursements, committee activities, membershipreports, list rental requests

Jason Gilbert, Association ManagerE-mail: [email protected]: Membership payments, orders, address changes, claims,author billing

Kate Counter, Meeting ManagerExt. 225; E-mail: [email protected]: WSSA annual meeting

Tracy Candelaria, Managing EditorE-mail: [email protected]: Reviewer questions

WSSA Contacts atAllen Marketing and Management


weeds—local problems

global challenge

Vancouver, British Columbia,Canada

June 23–27, 2008

C O N G R E S SWEED SCIENCE

5 t h I n t e r n a t i o n a l

photo credit: Tourism Vancouver; aerial of Vancouver


NEWSS News

Annual Meeting:The theme for the January 7–10, 2008 meeting in

Philadelphia, PA will be “The effect of climate change onweeds.” Tuesday starts with the Poster Session followedby the general session, which will include the traditionalPresidential Address and a keynote address to introducethe Climate Change topics, which will then be followedby theAwards Luncheon. The rest of the day will focus onspecific presentations given by the climate change sym-posia speakers. Included will be Dr. Cameron Wake, fromthe University of New Hampshire Climate ChangeResearch Center, who has given talks on Indicators ofClimate Change in the Northeast over the Past 100 Yearsand Dr. Lewis Ziska, from the USDA-ARS in Beltsville,who has been quoted recently in Newsweek on his workon climate change impacts on weeds and who has justpublished a paper in the July–August issue of WeedScience on the effect of C02 on the toxicity of poison ivy.There will also be a Graduate Student Mixer in theevening on Tuesday. The remainder of the program willbe somewhat different from past programs because thisyear all of the Graduate Student Contest papers will beput together in one session, which will take place onWednesday. The remainder of the day will begin the con-current sessions to be followed by the Business meetingand social mixer on Wednesday evening. Concurrent ses-sions will continue on Thursday and a Turfgrass sympo-sium is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

Weed Contest:The 2007 NEWSS Weed Contest was held in

Blacksburg, VAat Virginia Tech’s main campus on July 31,2007. A total of 45 graduate and undergraduate studentsparticipated from six universities. The universities repre-sented at the contest were North Carolina State, VirginiaTech, Penn State, Cornell, Guelph, and Nova Scotia AgCollege. Students participated in four contest segmentsincluding weed identification, unknown herbicide identi-fication, sprayer calibration, and farmer problems. ShawnAskew of Virginia Tech organized the overall contestevent while most of the planning, purchasing, preparing,and worrying was done by his assistant, Julie Keating.The contest has been described by students as “challeng-ing.” The goal of the contest was to include “real-world”scenarios and make the contest fun and educational.Some examples of “real-world” scenarios include the

stomach contents containing common pokeweed berriesfor the Weed Identification event and the goat farmerproblem.An additional event was offered this year; a longputt competition was established in close proximity to theherbicide ID plots. Students were allowed to attempt a 55foot putt in competition for an I Pod Shuffle. The winner,at 11 inches from the cup, was Craig Reid from Guelph.As always, the contest could not be hosted were it not forthe contributions of volunteers.The overall results were as follows:

GRADUATE DIVISION:1st place team: North Carolina State University #1(Juliana Buckelew, Adam Hixson, George Place,Jared Whitaker)

2nd place team: Virginia Tech(Nathan O’Berry , Mike Weeks)

3rd place team: Guelph(David Van Dam, Daryl Vermey, Allan Kaastra)

1st place individual: George PlaceNorth Carolina State University

2nd place individual: Virender KumarCornell University

3rd place individual: Jared WhitakerNorth Carolina State University

UNDERGRADUATE DIVISION:1st place team: Guelph #4(Craig Reid, Jeff Hyatt, Scott Snowe)

2nd place team: Guelph #1(William Judge, Joel Hemingway, Adam Pfeffer)

3rd place team: Guelph #2(Margaret Caldecott, Kelly O’Connor, Lisa Dirksen)

1st place individual: Craig Reid – Guelph #4

2nd place individual: Kelly O’Connor – Guelph #2

3rd place individual: Adam Pfeffer Guelph #1

See our website (www.newss.org) for our recentnewsletter and for additional details and happeningthroughout the NEWSS.

Dwight LingenfelterNEWSS Public Relations


Greg Armell has accepted atenure-track Assistant professorposition in Horticultural WeedManagement in the Departmentof Plant Sciences at the Universityof Tennessee. Greg will beginwork on October 1, 2007, and hewill be located in Knoxville, Ten-nessee. His appointment is 75%Extension, 25% research withstate-wide responsibilities. Greg has a PhD from VirginiaTech University and was previously with Dupont.

PEOPLEPLACES&

I N T H E N E W S

BIOPESTICIDE GRANTSFOR 2008

THINK NEWSLETTERDeadline for January issue

December 1, 2007

REQUEST FOR GRANT PROPOSALSThe IR-4 Biopesticide Research Program announces

a request for grant proposals for funding of efficacyresearch in 2008. IR-4 is especially interested in pro-posals containing biopesticides as resistance man-agement tools, rotated with conventional products.While resistance management is an important inter-est, the proposal must still have a majority focus onbiopesticides.

Project proposals will be accepted in Early,Advanced and Demonstration stage categories. Thetotal amount of funding available will be around$400,000. Most successful grants have generallyranged from $5,000 to $25,000.

The primary objective of the IR-4 BiopesticideResearch Program is to further the development andregistration of biopesticides for use in pest manage-ment systems for specialty crops or for minor useson major crops. Proposals will be due November 12,2007.

GRANT PROCEDURE AND APPLICATIONFor questions about proposal format and content,

contact:Michael Braverman, PhDBiopesticide Program ManagerIR-4 ProjectRutgers University500 College Road East, Suite 201 WPrinceton, New Jersey 08540Tel: (732) 932-9575 ext. 4610FAX: (609) 514-2612Email: [email protected]

An electronic copy of the Biopesticide GrantProposal Form is available at the following site:

www.ir4.rutgeres.edu/(listed under Call for Proposals).

SEND NEWSLETTER MATERIAL TO:

Dr. Clifford Koger (Trey)Editor, WSSA Newsletter

Delta Research and Extension CenterMississippi State University

P. O. Box 197Stoneville, MS 38776

[email protected](662) 686-9311 Office(662) 686-7336 Fax


JOHN WILLIAM WILCUT

John William Wilcut, 52, passed away August 24, 2007 at his home after avaliant battle with adrenal cancer. His wife, Cathy Worley Wilcut of Apex, andchildren Jared, of Raleigh and Caitlyn (Caity) of Apex survive John. He was theson of Pete and Irene Wilcut (Missouri). His father preceded him in death.Surviving siblings include his brother, Kerry Wilcut and wife, Debbie (Marion,

IL), James Wilcut and wife, Daphne (St. Louis, MO), and sister, Kim Amodio andhusband, Angelo (Wayneboro, MO). Surviving also are several nephews andnieces.John was born in Farmington, MO and grew up in Missouri and Illinois. He

was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. He received his BS and MS degrees at EasternIllinois University. He then went to Auburn University to receive his Doctorate inWeed Science. The Auburn Tigers were added to his list of favorite teams.John worked at research stations at Virginia Tech University and The

University of Georgia. His desire to be on a main campus to teach and work withstudents led him to North Carolina State University, where he was a Professor inthe Crop Science Department. He dedicated his life to being a mentor to otherweed scientists and helping farmers find weed control solutions to maximize cropyields. He was nationally and internationally recognized for his contributions toAgriculture and Weed Science, but his greatest satisfaction came from workingwith students as they embarked on their careers. He had many more sons anddaughters than listed here.He was strongly devoted to his family, and his first priority was to take care of

each of them in the best way he could. He was a thoughtful, romantic man whocherished his wife and children. His impact is profound and he will be sorelymissed.The family received friends from 6:00–8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at the

Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St., Apex, NC 27502.A memorial service was held Wednesday, 3:00 p.m., August 29, 2007 at Olive

Chapel Baptist Church, 600 NewHill Olive Chapel Rd., Apex, NC 27502. All werewelcomed to stay after and share a meal and fellowship at the church to celebrateJohn’s life.In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in the memory of John to: American

Cancer Society, RFL of Cary/Apex/Morrisville, 8300 Health Park, Suite 10,Raleigh, NC 27615. Online condolences may be made at www.apexfuneral.com.

P O S I T I O N A N N O U N C E M E N T S


ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATEPROFESSOR OF AGRONOMY:WEED SCIENCECALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY

Tenure Track, 9 month appointment.Department of Plant Science, Califor-nia State University, Fresno.Vacancy 08TAG003 AY 2008/09Appointment level and salary com-mensurate with experience.Teaching responsibilities: 12 units

per semester (undergrad./grad.) withoption to reduce via research fund-ing. Assigned time may also be avail-able for farm activities and/orresearch.An earned PhD in Agronomy with

specialization in weed science or arelated discipline is required forappointment to a tenure track posi-tion. The successful candidate willnormally teach upper division cours-es in weed science and pesticides andcould include courses in crop produc-tion and a general education course.For more details contact Dr. Sharon

Benes, Committee Chair, Dept. ofPlant Science, California StateUniversity, Fresno, 2415 E. San

Ramon Avenue M/S AS 72, Fresno,CA93740-8033 at 559-278-2255, email:[email protected], or refer to:www.csufresno.edu/aps/vacancy/ag_sci_tech.shtml. To ensure full con-sideration, send letter of intent, appli-cation, cv, three current letters of ref-erence, and graduate transcripts by11/1/07. Open until filled.

• • • • •

SENIOR USER SERVICESCONSULTANT, JOHNSTON, IA

The successful applicant will workclosely with research clients and soft-ware development professionals toimplement and support appropriateinformation management solutionsfor groups involved in technologylicensing, product approvals, patent-ing, research material movement, andregulatory compliance and clearance.This person will be expected to per-form as a team member to provideproduction software support andtraining to clients. Duties includedesktop support; implementationand support of third party software;

testing, training, and support for in-house developed software; anddeveloping adhoc reports from rela-tional databases.Additionally, this position is ex-

pected to lead small software devel-opment and implementation projects.Successful applicant is expected toattain credibility with clients anddevelop an understanding of theirprocesses and needs in order to sug-gest appropriate information man-agement solutions.Education Qualifications Desired:

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomic sci-ences, molecular biology, genetics orrelated scientific field with demon-strated experience using informationmanagement tools. Or Bachelor’sdegree in management informationsystems, computer science or relatedfield with demonstrated experienceand working knowledge of molecularbiology and agronomics.Ideal candidate will have at mini-

mum four years experience workingin above disciplines or a Master’sdegree in those areas. Additionalknowledge of plant breeding, agri-business or biotechnology preferred.

Send Newsletter material to:

DR. CLIFFORD KOGER (Trey)WSSA Newsletter Editor

Delta Research and Extension CenterMississippi State University

P. O. Box 197Stoneville, MS 38776

Telephone (662) 686-9311Fax (662) 686-7336

Email: [email protected]


I M P O R TA N T A D D R E S S E SPRESIDENTJill SchroederNew Mexico State UniversityEntomology, Plant Pathology,and Weed Science

Box 30003, Dept. 3BELas Cruces, NM 88003-0000Telephone: (505) 646-2328Fax: (505) 646-8087e-mail: [email protected]

PRESIDENT-ELECTJeff DerrVirginia Tech.Hamptons Rd. R&E Center1444 Diamond Springs Rd.Virginia Beach, VA 23455-3363Telephone: (757) 363-3912Fax: (757) 363-3950e-mail: [email protected]

VICE-PRESIDENTDavid R. ShawGeoResources InstituteMississippi State UniversityBox 9652Mississippi State, MS 39762Telephone: (662) 325-9575Fax: (662) 325-9578e-mail: [email protected]

PAST-PRESIDENTDale L. ShanerUSDA-ARS2150 Centre Avenue, Building DSuite 320Ft. Collins, CO 80526-8119Telephone: (970) 492-7414Fax: (970) 492-7408e-mail: [email protected]

SECRETARYTom MuellerUniversity of TennesseeDept. Plant Science252 Ellington Bldg.2431 Joe Johnson Dr.Knoxville, TN 37996Telephone: (865) 974-8805Fax: (865) 974-5365e-mail: [email protected]

TREASURERDave GealyUSDA/ARSDale Bumpus National RiceResearch Center

P. O. Box 1090Stuttgart, AR 72160Telephone: (870) 672-9300 ext. 226Fax: (870) 673-7581e-mail: [email protected]

NEWSLETTER EDITORS:

WSSAClifford Koger (Trey)Delta Research and Extension CenterMississippi State UniversityP. O. Box 197Stoneville, MS 38776Telephone: (662) 686-9311Fax: (662) 686-7336e-mail: [email protected]

Aquatic Plant Mgmt. Society (APMS)Chetta OwensTelephone: (972) 436-2215e-mail: [email protected]

NEWSSDwight D. Lingenfelter, M.S.Extension AgronomistDept. of Crop and Soil SciencesPenn State University116 ASI BuildingUniversity Park, PA 16802Telephone: (814) 865-2242Fax: (814) 863-7043e-mail: [email protected]

NCWSSHarlene Hatterman-ValentiNorth Dakota State UniversityDept. of Plant Sciences166 Loftsgard HallFargo, ND 58105e-mail: [email protected]

SWSSAl RankinsMississippi State UniversityPlant & Soil Sciences DepartmentBox 9555Mississippi State, MS 39762Telephone: (662) 325-3341Fax: (662) 325-8742e-mail: [email protected]

WSWSPat ClayUniversity of Arizona Cooperative Extension4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85040Telephone: (602) 470-8086 ext. 313Fax: (602) 470-8092e-mail: [email protected]

CWSSDaniel CloutierP. O. Box 222, Sainte-Anne-De-BellevueQuebec, Canada H9X 3R9Telephone: (514) 630-4658Fax: (514) 695-2365e-mail: [email protected]

IWSSJerry DollDept. of Agronomy1575 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706Telephone: (608) 836-8809Fax: (608) 262-5217e-mail: [email protected]

DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONSMichael E. FoleyUSDA-Agricultural Research ServiceBiosciences Research LabPlant Sciences ResearchFargo, ND 58105-5674Telephone: (701) 239-1251 (voice)Fax: (701) 239-1252e-mail: [email protected]

DIRECTOR OF SCIENCE POLICYLee Van Wychen900 Second St. N.E.Suite 205Washington, DC 20002Telephone: (202) 408-5388Fax: (202) 408-5385e-mail: [email protected]

EXECUTIVE SECRETARYJoyce LancasterP. O. Box 1897Lawrence, KS 66044Telephone: (785) 843-1235, ext. 250Fax (785) 843-1274e-mail: [email protected]

IWSSAlbert J. FischerVegetable Crops DeptUniversity of CaliforniaOne Shields Ave.Davis, CA 95616Telephone: (530) 752-7386Fax: (530) 752-4604e-mail: [email protected]

CASTJohn Bonner505 Capitol Court, NE, Suite 200Washington, DC 20002-4397Telephone: (202) 675-8333, Ext 11Fax: (202) 675-8334

AIBS (Our Representative)Lee Van Wychen900 Second St. NE, Suite 205Washington, DC 20002Telephone: (202) 408-5388Fax: (202) 408-5385e-mail: [email protected]

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTSDATE EVENT LOCATION CONTACT

October 7-12, 2007 EWRS Conference: Rehovot, Israel http://www.agri.huji.ac.il/aridconference“Novel and Sustainable WeedManagement in Arid andSemi-Arid Agro-Ecosystems”

December 10-13, 2007 NCWSS Annual Meeting St. Louis, Missouri http://www.ncwss.org/

January 7-10, 2008 NEWSS Annual Meeting Sheraton Society Hill www.newss.orgPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania http://www.newss.org/

January 28-31, 2008 SWSS Annual Meeting Jacksonville, Florida www.swss.ws

February 4-7, 2008 WSSA Annual Meeting Chicago, Illinois www.wssa.net/

May 27-30, 2008 2008 Weeds Across Borders Banff, Alberta, Canada Karen Sundquist, Program CoordinatorConference Alberta Invasive Plants Council

P. O. Box 79066, 926 Ash StreetSherwood Park, AB T8A 2G1Tel: [email protected]

June 23-27, 2008 5th International Weed Vancouver, British Columbia, Albert J. Fischer, IWSS Secretary-TreasurerScience Congress Canada Dept. of Plant Sciences

Mail Stop 4University of CaliforniaOne Shields AvenueDavis, CA 95616-8780Tel: 530-752-7386Fax: 530-752-4606Email: [email protected]://iws.ucdavis.edu/

July 13-16, 2008 Aquatic Plant Management The Mills House Hotel Mark Heilman, APMS SecretarySociety, Inc. Charleston, SC Email: [email protected] Annual Meeting

September 21-25, 2008 International Allelopathy Society Saratoga Springs, NY www.iascongress5.orgTriennial World Congress onAllelopathy (the 5th)

December 8-11, 2008 NCWSS Annual Meeting Indianapolis, Indiana http://www.ncwss.org/


Documents

October 2007 newsletter - Weed Science Society of America › wp-content › uploads › Oct-2007-Newsletter.pdf · 4 WSSA Newsletter October, 2007 2008 ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE Jeffrey