Dr. Ram Yadav

I grew up on a small family farm, and weeds have been a constant part of our lives. I have always been fascinated by the crop-weed interactions and how weeds adapt to crop production practices and continue to proliferate despite growers’ efforts to manage them. Using diversified weed management strategies, which have been long overdue because of herbicide dominance, is the key to keeping weeds under check. Herbicide use in specialty crop production is limited by default; hence, it provides ample opportunities to develop diverse weed management strategies based on improved knowledge of weed biology and ecology.

I plan to visit specialty crop stakeholders on various occasions across the state, conduct a statewide survey of specialty crop growers for their weed management concerns and priorities, and help update the Midwestern fruits and vegetable production guides. I also plan on testing new herbicide products for specialty crops by working with IR-4 and chemical industries and evaluating non-chemical weed control tactics such as stale seedbed, cover crops, targeted tillage, weed electrocution, and autonomous weeders.

During my doctoral and postdoctoral training, I was able to gain experience in the three pillars of land-grant universities, research, teaching, and extension. During this period, I worked on developing integrated weed management practices in different cropping systems and weed species in three states.

None currently.

Weed Science Society of America!

I am very excited. This is a critical juncture for my academic career as I transition my focus from major agronomic crops to specialty crops, where crop diversity offers an excellent opportunity to practice diversified weed management strategies. I am eager to work with CFAES faculty and stakeholders to help me accomplish my diverse goals.

I watch movies, play volleyball, travel, and explore new places and cultures.