Founders of the Asian-Pacific Weed Science Society – An Appreciation

Nimal R. Chandrasena

Keywords:

Asian-Pacific Weed Science Society, Donald L. Plucknett, William R. Furtick, Roman R. Romanowski Jr.

Abstract:

The APWSS, born on 22 June 1967, is now 52 years old. It is now taking a major step forward by publishing a dedicated, weed science journal - Weeds. In this Special Editorial for the journal’s inaugural issue, I am privileged to have the opportunity to reflect on the landmark events, which preceded the Society’s birth. We were not born by accident; momentous events within the discipline of Weed Science, and related fields, shaped our birth. It is appropriate, in this first issue of the new journal to acknowledge our Society’s gratitude to the three founding fathers. While providing my own views on some important challenges ahead, I recall the essence of what our founding fathers achieved, so the readers might be inspired. We stand tall today because of their vision and commitment, over five decades ago. In 2017, celebrating 50 years of existence as a professional society, we recorded the society’s achievements and contributions to Weed Science and the broad spirit in which they were achieved. Applying Weed Science across the Asian-Pacific and possibly, other tropical regions, must continue to be our goal, while continuing to take up new challenges. This will require APWSS to engage more broadly with similar global movements, by networking to share knowledge and experience to inspire the current and next generation of weed scientists. Given there is little consistency in the way we deal with weeds in the different member countries, developing a common agenda to educate and influence national policies must be a priority for the APWSS in the 21st Century.