Agronomy and Horticulture

The Science and Application of Plants to Sustain and Enhance Human Life

Weed Science

The Land Grant Mission is alive and well at the University of Nebraska. Weed Science research, teaching, and extension programs are committed to addressing long- and short-term pest management needs in an integrated pest management context. The scope of activities spans pest ecology to integrated weed management systems to the fate of pesticides in the environment. A core group of faculty in Lincoln are responsible for teaching and statewide coordination of extension programs and research in their respective fields. Faculty located at the five Research and Extension Centers across the state address the research and extension needs of the state's diverse agriculture. Faculty on the Lincoln campus and at the Research and Extension Centers advise graduate students.

A distinct rainfall gradient of 350 mm in the west to 900 mm in eastern Nebraska gives rise to a diverse agriculture. Wheat fallow and irrigated vegetable production typifies the western third of the state; irrigated corn and alfalfa crop production and extensive grazing lands account for the center third; and the more typical midwestern corn/soybean production systems dominate the eastern third. This diversity offers a wonderful environment for the study of crop and rangeland ecosystems.

Modern laboratories are used for Weed Science research. A state-of-the-art information systems lab offers advanced simulation modeling and geographic information systems support. In addition, a growing program in the study of plant ecophysiology is supported by a fully equipped whole-plant physiology laboratory. Two large greenhouses and an associated headhouse facility are available for Weed Science personnel. Ample land and associated equipment and facilities for field research are available at the University of Nebraska Field Laboratories.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDY

The science of weeds and their management is an integral part of modern agriculture. Growers need effective, economic, and environmentally safe weed management methods as farms become larger, costs of production increase, and more emphasis is placed on energy, soil, and water conservation. Qualified scientists are needed to meet these challenges. Many employment opportunities are available for graduates. Jobs in industry or federal and state agencies include research, development, merchandising, regulatory, extension, teaching, and crop production. Our research, teaching and extension programs also prepare graduates for faculty positions at major universities. Weed Science offers research programs for the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in such areas as: (a) integrated weed management systems for agronomic and horticultural crops, pastures, and rangelands; (b) herbicide fate in soils, water and plants; (c) herbicide uptake and translocation in plants; (d) herbicide mode of action; (3) ecophysiological studies of weed/crop growth and interference as influenced by management and the environment, (f) population biology of plant dispersal, spatial heterogeneity, seedling recruitment, the weed seedbank and herbicide resistant plants; (g) biological weed control; (h) economics of weed control in conventional and reduced input cropping systems; and (i) extension methods and training.