A horizon scan for temperate pastoral weed science–a New Zealand perspective

Abstract

There have been horizon scans (strategic science reviews) recently for weed biology, but none that focus on weeds of pastures. Here we report on our process for writing the Pastoral Sector Weeds Research Strategy (2018)(2019)(2020)(2021)(2022)(2023)(2024)(2025)(2026)(2027)(2028) for New Zealand and then follow-up with the focus of the current article, a horizon scan for pastoral weed science. Scientists and stakeholders involved in weeds and pasture systems participated in two workshops to determine which issues and opportunities are emerging as drivers of innovation for weed science and weed management. We identified 11 major issues and 46 subordinate ones, but the three most highly ranked major issues were: 1) anticipated reductions in our access to herbicides; 2) rethinking weed management under an ecosystem services paradigm; 3) responding to a regulatory push for farm system planning designed to address biosecurity risk, biodiversity, carbon budgets, contaminants, and nutrient run-off in addition to production value. The workshop participants were asked to rank the 3 major issues (and some subordinate ones) using the criteria: 1) is this a horizon (is the issue or question likely to become more important in 10-20 years?); 2) will it require stretchy science (is the question or issue currently not well addressed by the science community?); 3) is it transformative (will successful scientific research in this area lead to significant changes to weed management in pastures?). Most of the issues identified are shared in pastoral systems worldwide and involve reducing environmental footprint of farming while maintaining productivity.

Herbicides in modern sustainable agriculture: environmental fate, ecological implications, and human health concerns

“…It is essential to evaluate the economic and social implications of sustainable weed management practices to ensure their practical adoption by farmers (Bergtold et al 2019). Moreover, assessing and developing policy frameworks that incentivize the adoption of sustainable weed management practices can promote long-term food safety and environmental sustainability (Mango et al 2017;Buddenhagen et al 2022).…”

A global perspective of education in weed science

“…For example, the WSSA states that its basic purpose is that it “promotes research, education, and extension outreach activities related to weeds; provides science-based information to the public and policy makers; fosters awareness of weeds and their impacts on managed and natural ecosystems; and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world” (WSSA 2023b). Several authors have written comprehensive literature in the form of books (Table 2) and review articles (Buddenhagen et al 2022; Flessner et al 2021; MacLaren et al 2020; Westwood et al 2018) that specifically cover the discipline of weed science.…”

“…ecosystems; and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world" (WSSA 2023b). Several authors have written comprehensive literature in the form of books (Table 2) and review articles (Buddenhagen et al 2022;Flessner et al 2021;MacLaren et al 2020;Westwood et al 2018) that specifically cover the discipline of weed science.…”