- Author: Julie Finzel
I had the privilege of attending and participating in the Weed Research and Information Center's 2013 Weed Science School. This biannual event proved to be exactly what I was expected...two and a half days packed full of really helpful and useful information and demonstrations.
The first day we got started around 12:30 and received instruction on general plant biology and herbicide absorption, translocation, and metabolism. These presentations were followed by information on the different mechanisms through which herbicides work to control weeds including lipid and amino acid synthesis inhibitors, cell division, and cell wall inhibitors, growth regulators, and photosynthetic, pigment synthesis inhibitors, and free radical generators. Whew! That was all in the first day!
Other presentations throughout the course included plant mechanisms for herbicide resistance, a spray nozzle demonstration, adjuvant demonstration, and even a video on aerial application of herbicides from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The course not only offered the important basics of weed control biology, but also updates on some of the newest technology being tested for use in weed control. There was even a session on organic weed management!
Overall, this course proved to be well worth the registration fee because the information presented is so useful and applicable. To top it all off, the food provided as part of the course was delicious and plenty of food was provided at each meal. They are also able to accommodate special diets upon request.
For more information on UC Weed Research and Information Resources and Weed Science Schools visit their webpage at: http://wric.ucdavis.edu/index.htm