Weed identification is a scientific way of making sense of weed biodiversity. A species-group is a group of closely related species usually with partially overlapping ranges. So as you learn your species in this section, be aware that variants, hybrids, biotypes, ecotypes, phenotypes, mutants and lots of other forms of a species make weed biodiversity the first principle of weed identification. The first step in managing weeds is to correctly identify the plant pests you want to manage. Different weed species, and even variants within a single weed species, respond to management tactics very differently.
Correct identification is fundamental to weed management.
The focus in this course will be on weeds commonly found in Iowa, and midwestern US, crop production fields. But we will also look at other weeds commonly found in urban settings, pastures, waste areas, lawns and golf courses, and maybe a few from around the world. As we learn about weed biology and ecology, weed habitats and environment, and weed management I will emphasize the individual weed species being discussed. In this way you will integrate weed science concepts with the actual, living pests you will encounter in the real world.