Research in the area of weed science is of both an applied and basic nature. Applied research is primarily directed towards control of annual and perennial weed species in row crops and forages.  Applied (field) research includes experiments studying crop rotation, minimum tillage practices, control of problem weeds, herbicide evaluation, and modifications of cultural practices.

Basic research (weed physiology and biochemistry) currently emphasizes absorption and translocation of herbicides by plants, enzymology of herbicide metabolism, mechanisms of herbicide action and selectivity, and herbicide properties and persistence in soil.