Principles of weed biology and ecology that govern the success of weedy species in agricultural and natural environments. Topics include aspects of population biology of plants relative to weedy species, such as: invasiveness, reproduction, dormancy, genetics, seed banks, and interference/competition.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

To focus on ecological concepts most relevant to weeds so as to develop an understanding of the significant characteristics common to many weed species.

To develop an “investigative” approach to understanding how weed communities proliferate and persist in different environments.

To introduce students to the alternative approaches to weed management that are based on ecological principles.

• Attendance is not required but students will be responsible for all information presented. Missed notes should be obtained from other students, NOT the instructor. Participation during class is greatly encouraged.

• Absenteeism from any graded assignment or exam must be discussed with the instructor no less than two weeks beforehand. Unexpected absence from an exam or late submission of an assignment will only be excused with a note from a suitable authority (e.g., physician).

• Make-up of missed examinations should be scheduled as soon as the conflict is known. Loss of points for late work is a distinct possibility.

GRADING STRUCTURE

Manuscript reviews 20%

Mid-term exam 25%

Final exam 25%

Student project 20%

Assignments 10%

COURSE GRADING:

90 - 100% = A

80 - <90% = B

70 - <80% = C

60 - <70% = D

 0 - <60% = F

REQUIRED RESOURCES: This course will require reviews of relevant research literature. One textbook will also be required.

Weed Ecology in Natural and Agricultural Systems by B. D. Booth, S. D. Murphy, and C. J. Swanton.

Any student with disabilities, or other special needs, who needs special accommodation in this course is invited to share these concerns or requests with the instructor as soon as possible.

All students in this course are expected to follow the College of Agriculture Honor System. The spirit of that system is embodied in the following statement:

“On my honor I have neither given nor received aid
in completing this assignment.”

Please visit the following Internet site for a complete description of the system: http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/instruct/mcclean/ag_www/honor.htm.

University Guidelines for academic honesty are outlined in NDSU University Senate Policy, Section 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct: http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/policy/335.htm.

• Syllabus

• Text and reading materials for course

• Evaluation

• Assignments

• Semester schedule

What is Weed Biology and Ecology?

• Definitions

• Characteristics of weedy plants

• Impact of weeds

• Role and uses of weeds

Principles of Weed Ecology

• Characterizing weed populations

• Population diversity

• Succession and assembly of populations

• Definitions

• Reproduction: sexual and asexual

• Genetics of weeds

• Genetic diversity of weeds

• Molecular techniques and application

• Herbicide resistance.

• Change in populations over time

• Effect of migration on population size

• Population structure

• Population models

• Adaptive strategies of weeds

• Competitiveness

• Seed dormancy and bud dormancy

• Germination, seedling emergence and establishment

• Growth and reproduction

• Dispersal of propagules

• Characteristics of invasive weeds and invaded environments

• Impact of invasions

• Critical processes in Plant Competition for resources

• Interference from neighbors

• Competition and allelopathy

• Herbivory, parasitism, and mutualism

• Approaches to studying interference

• Integrated weed management

• Role of population models

• Role of decision aids