Recent developments and trends in weed management are the focus of an upcoming joint meeting of two of the nation's leading weed science organizations.

The Weed Science Society of America and the Southern Weed Science Society will meet Feb. 9-13 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla.

The event is drawing hundreds of scientists, students, educators and professionals from public and private organizations who are interested in sustainable weed control practices. This is the 49th annual meeting for WSSA and the 62nd annual meeting for SWSS.

Keynote speaker will be Ed Knipling, administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. Knipling will provide an overview of leading ARS research priorities and discuss the implications of the 2008 farm bill for enhancing USDA research, education and Extension programs relevant to weed science.

Eight conference symposia will cover:

To round out the program, the 9th International Bioherbicide Group will hold a concurrent workshop Feb. 8-9 with field tours of weed biocontrol sites — one for the aquatic weed hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) and the other for the pasture weed tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum).