University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) weed scientist Ramdas Kanissery has earned a Dallas Townsend Extension Professional and Enhancement Award. Kanissery works at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) in Immokalee.
“The award recognizes a state Extension specialist for demonstrating an outstanding ability to plan and implement Extension programs that address needs that have been identified in consultation with clientele,” said Kelly Morgan, SWFREC director. “Dr. Kanissery has been at SWFREC for three years and has developed an extensive Extension program that contributes greatly to growers’ understanding of how to best manage herbicides and the effect of chemicals such as Roundup on their crop plants.”
Kanissery will receive a $2,000 salary supplement, $1,000 for his Extension program and a commemorative certificate.
His program strives to develop weed-control strategies that have a positive impact on crops and the environment. It provides outreach guided by research-based information on effective, economic and sustainable weed management practices in citrus and vegetables to growers, industry representatives and others. Programs are offered for weed identification and crop-safe herbicide use through field days, hands-on training, workshops and in-service training.
The UF/IFAS Extension Administration annually offers 19 Extension Professional Enhancement Awards totaling around $62,000 to deserving UF/IFAS Extension faculty. Funding is made available through 13 donated gifts and endowments.
Earlier this year, Kanissery discussed alternatives to glyphosate for weed control in a virtual presentation originally intended for the 2020 Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute. He said glyphosate is the most popular herbicide in U.S. citrus groves, but cited concerns about its use. Learn more here.
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