For this presentation we would like to discuss some history of weeds and their control, the evolution of weed science, the development of herbicides and the changing dynamics of weed science research. As mentioned by previous speakers, weeds cause great loss to almost every crop production enterprise in the United States and around the world. Man has sought to control weeds by various methods including cultural practices, cultivation, hoeing, and with herbicides. Pioneer weed scientists were individuals trained in the areas of physiology, botany, and agronomy. They applied their knowledge and training to the understanding of growth, development, and control of weeds in the late 1800's and early 1900's.