Before scientists from almost 40 countries, Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Emeritus Professor of Agriculture, Jim Pratley, was honoured for his significant contribution to the development of the science of allelopathy. The international award was presented to Professor Pratley during the fifth World Congress on Allelopathy in the USA in late September. The prestigious and competitive Molisch Award is presented every three years during the International Allelopathy Society’s conference to recognise research excellence and career contributions to the field of allelopathy, which is  the science of using a plant’s natural defense system to beat weed infestation.  Professor Pratley is a staff member at the E H Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation in Wagga Wagga, a collaborative alliance between CSU and the NSW Department of Primary Industries, and was a member of the recent conference’s organising committee and a past vice-president of the International Allelopathy Society. Professor Pratley is continuing his research into natural herbicides and weed management.