Dynamics of Weed Populations

Puts the broad empirical knowledge on weed ecology into a theoretical framework.

Roger Cousens (Author), Martin Mortimer (Author)

9780521496490, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 24 November 1995

348 pages, 102 b/w illus. 29 tables
23.6 x 15.6 x 2.4 cm, 0.619 kg

'… stimulating and of value'. R. W. Snaydon, Journal of Agricultural Science

What are the ecological attributes of weeds that confer the ability to interfere with human activities? Roger Cousens and Martin Mortimer place weed management within an ecological context, with the focus on the manipulation of population size. The dynamics of abundance and spatial distribution are considered at both geographic and local scales. The basic processes of dispersal, reproduction and mortality are described, together with the factors that influence them. Management is shown to modify patterns of behaviour that are intrinsic to populations. Attention is given to the evolution and management of resistance to herbicides. This book provides weed science with the conceptual basis that has previously been lacking. It also gives ecologists access to the extensive database on the population ecology of weeds.

Preface
1. Weed population dynamics/the framework
2. The dynamics of geographic range expansion
3. Dispersal within and between populations
4. Processes involved in the regulation of density
5. The intrinsic dynamics of population density
6. Extrinsic factors affecting population density
7. The spatial dynamics of weed populations
8. The evolution of herbicide resistance
9. Weed population dynamics/synthesis and prognosis
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Pest control [TVP], Plant ecology [PSTS]