Noxious weed
Noxious Weed
A noxious weed (/ˈnɒkʃəs wiːd/) is a plant species that is harmful or injurious to agricultural crops, natural habitats or ecosystems, or humans or livestock. The term is often used in the context of legislation and regulations designed to manage these species.
Etymology
The term "noxious weed" originates from the Latin "noxius" meaning harmful, and the Old English "weod" meaning weed or non-cultivated plant.
Definition
Noxious weeds are typically non-native species that have been introduced into an environment without the natural predators and controls that would normally manage their population levels. They can cause significant economic and environmental damage, and can be difficult to control due to their aggressive growth and reproduction.
Related Terms
- Invasive species: A species that is not native to a specific location, and that has a tendency to spread to a degree believed to cause damage to the environment, human economy or human health.
- Weed: A plant considered undesirable, unattractive, or troublesome, especially one that grows where it is not wanted and often in such a way as to interfere with the growth and development of cultivated plants.
- Pest (organism): Any species, strain or biotype of plant, animal, or pathogenic agent injurious to plants or plant products.
- Biological control: The method of controlling pests (including insects, mites, weeds and plant diseases) using other living organisms.
Legislation
Many jurisdictions have laws and regulations that govern the identification, management and control of noxious weeds. These laws may include provisions for the declaration of a plant as a noxious weed, the responsibilities of landowners and managers, and the powers of weed control authorities.
Control Methods
Control methods for noxious weeds can include herbicide application, biological control, mechanical control methods such as mowing or ploughing, and cultural control methods such as crop rotation or habitat manipulation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Noxious weed
- Wikipedia's article - Noxious weed
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