Rules – Weed Science
- At least 15 of the specimens must represent this year's work (after the previous county fair to the present day). For assistance in identifying plants, participants can use the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s Weeds of Nebraska and the Great Plains book.
- Weed Science Books (Classes 1-2)
- Plants must be mounted on sheets that are no larger than 14 inches x 14 inches. Proper plant mount should include root as well as stem and leaf tissue. Plants should be glued rather than taped and the mounts should be protected with a clear cover.
- Exhibits will be judged based on completeness of plant mount, accuracy of identification, label, neatness, and conformity to exhibit requirements. Refer to Scoresheet SF261.
- Each completed mount must have the following information in the lower right hand corner of the mounting sheet: 1) Scientific name (in italic or underlined), with authority; 2) Common name; 3) County of collection; 4) Collection date; 5) Collector’s name; 6) Personal collection number, indicating the order that plants were collected in your personal collection; 7) Other information depending on class selected, i.e., noxious, life form. This information should be typed or printed neatly.
- Weed Science Displays (Class 3)
- The purpose of the display is to tell an educational story to those that view the display. The display is a visual representation (pictures, charts, graphs) no larger than 28 inches x 28 inches on plywood or poster board. The display should be neatly titled.
- Make sure to label display with 4-H member’s name, address, and county on back side. Explain pictures and graphs clearly and concisely. Refer to Scoresheet SF259.
- Each display must have a one-page essay explaining why the 4-H member chose the area of display and what they learned from their project. Include references used.
- The essay should be in a clear plastic cover with the 4-H member’s name outside.
- Entries per Individual - One entry per exhibitor per class. Limit of 4 entries per exhibitor per project.
CLASSES
PREMIUMS: Purple, $4.00; Blue, $3.00; Red, $2.00; White, $1.00
G751001 Weed Identification Book (Scoresheet SF261) - A collection of a minimum of 15 plant mounts including at least two of the following prohibited noxious weeds (Canada thistle, musk thistle, plumeless thistle, saltcedar, leafy spurge, purple loosestrife, diffuse knapweed, spotted knapweed, Japanese knotweed, bohemian knotweed, giant knotweed, sericea lespedeza, or phragmites) and at least three weeds that are a problem primarily in lawns.
G751002 Life Span Book (Scoresheet SF261) - A collection of 7 perennials, 1 biennial, and 7 annual weeds.
G751003 Weed Display (Scoresheet SF259) - The purpose of this class is to allow original and creative exhibits that contain educational information about weeds, such as interesting information about a weed species, the effects of weed control, herbicide resistant weeds, what makes a weed a weed, or uses for weeds.