Implications of weakening of the United States Geological Survey Pesticide National Synthesis Project for Weed Scientists

Abstract

Weeds are a significant threat to the production of agronomic, horticultural, and ornamental crops, as direct competition for resources can result in substantial yield shortfalls (WSSA 2023). A review of research data generated across the United States and Canada indicated that unmanaged weeds have the potential to reduce corn and soybean production by approximately 50%, even when other best management practices are applied (Soltani et al. 2016, 2017). The associated economic losses, which were estimated at 26.7 and 17.2 billion USD for corn and soybeans, respectively, would be catastrophic. Weeds can also interfere with crops, indirectly. For example, weeds may impede or delay harvest operations (Smith et al. 2000), reduce crop quality because of contamination (Moore et al. 2004), and serve as alternate hosts for pests and pathogens (Chen et al. 2011; Wisler and Norris 2005). Other habitats, such as rangelands, wetlands, and other natural and urban areas, are also affected by weedy and invasive plant species. Impacts of unwanted vegetation can include damage to infrastructure, damage to recreational space, altered water flow, degraded natural resources, reduced biodiversity and species displacement, and a loss of ecosystem services, among other effects (DiTomaso 2000; Jetter et al. 2021; Neal 2023; Vilà et al. 2011).