Management of Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida): A Bibliometric Analysis of the Literature.

Over the last three decades, giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) has become one of the most persistent and problematic weeds to farmers and allergy sufferers in North America. Our study traces the increase of the scientific output of giant ragweed research over this period. We describe the periodic growth of literature, author patterns, collaborations, topical focus, geographic origin, and impact of publications, journals, and institutions over time. We apply a bibliometric analysis approach to identify and assess the scientific production, main research themes and trends of the existing literature on giant ragweed. Co-occurrence analyses of keywords and citations are used to analyze the changes in research activity and trends over time. This work is carried out in support of the REE-NET group “Ecosystem-based management: Giant ragweed in the Cornbelt” which is exploring sustainable management practices for giant ragweed.