2005 Staniforth Lecture in Weed Science April 13 at Iowa State

An upcoming lecture at Iowa State University will address the potential development of "superweeds" and other possible outcomes from the unintended spread of engineered plant genes. Norman Ellstrand, professor of genetics and director of the Biotechnology Impacts Center at the University of California in Riverside, will present the 2005 Staniforth Lecture, "Who Let the Dogs Out? Tales of Transgene Escape," at 4:10 p.m. April 13 in Room 164 Lagomarcino Hall. Ellstrand's research focuses on consequences of gene flow from domesticated plants to their wild relatives. The Staniforth Lecture series is presented in honor of David W. Staniforth, former agronomy professor and Iowa State alumnus. It is sponsored by the Staniforth Fund in the Department of Agronomy at Iowa State. Staniforth taught at Iowa State from 1949 to 1960 and was a pioneer in the field of weed science. He was particularly interested in weed biology and ecology. His experience spanned the development of modern herbicides through refinements in weed control systems including those used in conservation tillage. Editor's note: Norman Ellstrand will be available for interviews on April 13. Contact Mike Owen, agronomy, (515-294-5936) to schedule an appointment. More information about Ellstrand is available online.