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New strategies for weed prevention

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Over the past several thousand years, Man has moved many plant species far beyond their historical native range. Many introduced plants that have become established outside of cultivation are benign (so far). However, some introduced species with free-living populations pose a threat to the biodiversity of natural areas and/or diminish the production capacity of managed or agricultural ecosystems. In the United States, 16 federal agencies have formed the Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds (FICMNEW). This committee has developed a National Strategy for Invasive Plant Management. Goals of the national strategy are: weed prevention, weed control, and restoration of degraded lands. Research, education, and partnerships are critical to the success of the strategy. Regulatory strategies to protect the United States and other countries from invasive plants include: production of weed-free commodities in exporting countries; preclearance of risk commodities at foreign ports of export; port of entry inspections; and finally, early detection, containment, and eradication, of incipient infestations before they spread. Currently, 10 federal noxious weeds are being eradicated from localized sites in the United States through cooperative projects with affected states.

Parent Publication

Citation

Westbrooks, Randy G.; Otteni, Lee; Eplee, Robert E. 1998. New strategies for weed prevention. In: Britton, Kerry O., ed. Exotic pests of eastern forests conference proceedings; 1997 April 8-10; Nashville, TN. U.S. Forest Service and Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council: 13-21.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/43138