We may gaze at the scenery or observe how well the crops are doing. The Washington State University Cooperative Extension weed scientist is on the front lines of a never-ending battle against plants that each year cost U.S. farmers billions of dollars to control and in lost production. Parker will tell you that a weed is simply a plant that is growing someplace it's not wanted. And that may include plants we normally regard as desirable. They are a weed problem for the potato grower because they are a potential source of disease for the following year's crop.
Nobody really knows.
Parker, whose speciality is weeds that infest irrigated crops and aquatic weeds, says there are at least 40 in mint, grown in the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin for its aromatic oil. Parker's role in the war against weeds is one of educator and advisor. He supports the educational efforts of WSU county extension faculty across the state. He also conducts 30 to 50 training sessions a year for farmers, chemical dealers, pesticide applicators, and representatives of various governmental bodies concerned about controlling weeds along roads and on public lands. Parker also spends a lot of time on the phone and in the field, helping homeowners and growers identify weeds and suggesting measures to control them.