Weed Research - Expanding Horizons

Whilst there are several weed biology and control textbooks, many review articles in the area, and some practical guides to weed control, there is no up-to-date one volume guide to the current state of weed science and research, and its future prospects. This book will bridge this gap and will present a succinct, understandable, but rigorous appraisal of the state of the art of and future directions for weed research.

The book will be structured around the Working Groups of the European Weed Research Society (EWRS). These groups are formed around scientists working on common problems, and between them cover the main areas of current research in weed biology and control in Europe. The Working Group chairs have been contacted and have agreed to lead the production of a chapter on their area. Other areas, less represented by working groups but still of importance, will be covered by the editors. 

The editors will give guidance to the authors (all of whom are known personally to the editors) as to topics to be included, to prevent repetition between chapters, and all chapters will be edited by the editors to ensure continuity of prose and content. While the book will be based on European work, authors will be encouraged to take an international view and to include examples from other parts of the world to ensure that the book will be of use and applicability in other countries.

The book has the support of the EWRS, and it will be publicised through that organisation. Other arrangements with the EWRS may be possible, e.g. co-branding, discounted copies for EWRS membership, etc.

Paul Hatcher is Associate Professor in Applied Ecology in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Reading, working on perennial weed control and biological control of weeds and insects. He has been a member of the EWRS since 1993, and was Chair of the EWRS Biological Control working group for many years. He is Chair of the Editorial Board for the Wiley-Blackwell journal Weed Research, and a member of the Board of the EWRS. He is also a member of the DEFRA steering group on weed biological control.

Bob Froud-Williams was Senior Lecturer in Weed Science in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Reading and has research interests in weed ecology, agri-environment and integrated weed management.? During his career within the university he supervised more than forty postgraduate students.? He has been a member of EWRS since 1980 and was elected Vice President in 2001 and President in 2003 in addition to his former role as National Representative.? He has been a member of several external committees including BCPC Expert Weeds and for eighteen years was Chairman of the UK Weed Liaison Group representing publicly-funded weed science in the UK.? He also was member of various committees including Defra Sustainable Arable Link, Association of Applied Biology Weeds and Agronomy Group, member of the advisory board for Aquatic Plant Management Committee and steering committee of the Arable Plants Group within Plantlife.