Potential model weeds to study genomics, ecology, and physiology in the 21st century

Plant model systems have contributed greatly to the dramatic progress in understanding the fundamental aspects of plant biology. Using model weeds will also help facilitate focused funding and research in the weed science community. Criteria for developing model weeds require attention to weedy characteristics that impart economic losses and a wide geographic distribution, attributes that present the potential for political and scientific support. Expressed sequence tag (EST) databases for model weeds are the most practical approach to identifying new genes and obtaining data on the gene expression underlying weedy characteristics. Weeds such as Canada thistle, eastern black nightshade, johnsongrass, jointed goatgrass, leafy spurge, waterhemp, and weedy rice are proposed as model systems.