Promoting the Utilization of Weeds – A Way Forward

Nimal Chandrasena

Keywords:

Colonizing species, weeds, utilization of weeds, Weed Science, weed research

Abstract:

The utilization of ‘weedy’ colonizing species for direct human benefits and other practical applications is a much-neglected area within Weed Science. It results from an inadequate ‘eco-literacy’ (i.e. ecological understanding of weeds), which I call ‘weed-illiteracy’. Most weed scientists have been brought up hearing a flawed myth that ‘all weedy species are bad all the time’, and some may even engulf the world. Humans present the greatest threat to biodiversity, of which people and weedy species are constituent parts. However unpalatable this message is, it needs to be given much more publicity to achieve a better balance between human greed, the development aspirations of nations, and global biological diversity. A change in attitude and a focus shift are required to redress the issue. The Boundary Object concept provides an opportunity to have meaningful discussions about weedy taxa that have been used as a scapegoat for too long to hide human follies (related to disturbances caused by land-clearing, deforestation, inappropriate forms of agriculture, and excessive population growth). Consensus helps but is not always necessary for cooperation in successfully conducting investigative research. The boundary object approach allows collaborations on investigations of weedy species without always agreeing on divergent viewpoints. These may help ease the tensions and change our perceptions of colonizing species. It will also allow weed scientists, trained to think negatively about weeds, to explore the benefits of a positive relationship with a vast array of such taxa and their unique capabilities. Weeds should not be accused as guilty (of harm) until proven innocent! Colonizing species could assist in achieving the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), whose visions have been renewed. These globally-accepted frameworks seek to re-align investments and direct research efforts to improve societal benefits. Seeking ways to derive benefits from weedy taxa should be the basis of their fuller integration into societal needs. Instead of waging an unwinnable war against weeds, there is a convincing case for living with weeds for societal and environmental benefits. Weed Science education must be re-aligned to increase ‘weed literacy’ by providing a much deeper biological and ecological understanding of weeds among agriculturists and environmentalists. Fastgrowing and robust weedy taxa are at the forefront of providing ecosystem services in all habitats they occupy. Their ecological roles, including pollination and stabilization of degraded landscapes, are much undervalued within Weed Science. There is also compelling evidence that calls for broadening the mandate and the direction of Weed Science research to include the utilization of colonizing taxa. A ‘rethink’ on how we perceive weeds and weed research should be a priority for everyone concerned about the Planet’s future and preserving its biological integrity and diversity.