The Barometer Online

Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Jeff Wick Professor of crop and soil science Carol Mallory-Smith, recipient of Weed Science Society of America's highest honor, is an OSU professor who has a passion for weeds and Oregon Agriculture. She is widely known for her work with weed control.

Jokes about weed science are not acceptable at customs. That is what Carol Mallory-Smith, an associate department head at OSU's department of crop and soil science, has learned during her travels.

Mallory-Smith has been involved with weed science internationally as well as within the OSU community.

"I always try to explain how important weeds are in everyone's life," Mallory-Smith said.

Recently, Professor Mallory-Smith received the Weed Science Society of America's highest honor for her scientific contributions.

As an undergraduate, Mallory-Smith received her degree in plant protection. While earning her degree she took classes in weed science, entomology and plant pathology.

Professor Mallory-Smith enjoyed her classes immensely and went on to receive a Ph.D. in weed science from the University of Idaho.

She found weed science extremely interesting and loved being in the Northwest. The position at Oregon State University was perfect for her.

A very select group receives the award each year. It is only available to 0.25 percent of the Weed Science Society members.

There were only three recipients this year, and 200 people in all have been named fellow since the award was created in 1964.

Scientists honored with the award have made career-long contributions to the weed science discipline.

Professor Mallory-Smith is best known for her work on herbicide resistance, weed ecology and biology and gene flow and hybridization between crops and weeds.

Weeds are plants that are deemed undesirable because of their locations. They could be anything from dandelions in the front yard and plants that are competing with crops in the fields to weeds that are considered invasive for spreading across natural areas and wild lands.

"Weeds are extremely costly to control and cause the loss of food and fiber worldwide," Mallory-Smith said.

In developing countries, farmers are still dealing with weeds by hand. Professor Mallory-Smith's work in weed science will help such farmers control their weeds.

Her work with Italian ryegrass has provided additional options for controlling the pesky plants with herbicides.

Overall, Mallory-Smith enjoys working with graduate students and working to solve real problems that face Oregon agriculture.

Melissa Peterson, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231

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