PURPOSE:

• Service to Extension Educators, Weed Superintendents, Master Gardeners and others.
  • Plant Identification
  • Control Recommendation
• Early identification and location of new exotic plant species.
  • Determine economic potential of invaders
  • Mapping invasive plants
• Teaching/Education/Extension.
  • University Classes
  • FFA
  • Master Gardner Workshops
• Springboard for new research on invasive weed species.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Over 1500 plant specimens and over 1400 weed seed specimens are in the plant collection.
• More than 5000 plant specimens have been identified since 1984.
• Numerous control strategies have been recommended for weedy species.
• New species have been identified and their potential for spread determined.
  • 27 species not previously known in the Northwest
  • 50 species not previously documented as occurring in Idaho
  • 35 species new to counties in Idaho

HISTORY:

• 1940's: Plant collection begun by L.C. Erickson and continued in conjunction with C. I Seely after 1947
• 1950's - 1970's: Cabinets purchased, additional plant specimens collected by Erickson, Seely, Al Slinkard, P. J. Torell and others. Specimens are used as teaching aids for University students, 4-H and FFA members.
• 1980's: Plant identification service formalized by R. H. Callihan. Weed Diagnostic Laboratory plant collection established at current location. Collection expanded by D. Pavek, F. E. Northum, R. R. Old, and others. Weed identification software developed as an identification aide to botanist and non-botanist alike.
• 1990's: Weed Diagnostic Laboratory plant collection continues to expand and S. L. Carson and T. W. Miller are hired to continue the identification service. Software evolved to include 'Tox Plant', 'NA Weeds', Plant-ID to the current Windows Version "RAPID" which identifies over 2000 plant species, contains graphic images of plant attributes, and references to over 200 popular floral books & manuals. W. S. Belles served as curator of the plant collection in the late 1990's. The L.C. Erickson Weed Diagnostic Laboratory was dedicated in 1999.
• 2000's L.W. Lass served as curator of the collection in the early 2000's. Currently the Weed Diagnostic Laboratory is under the general direction of T. Prather. Sandra Robins serves as the curator of the plant collection and plant identification specialist.