Rupinder Kaur Saini has been named a research assistant professor in weed science with Texas Tech's Department of Plant and Soil Science, according to officials within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. She officially stepped into her new research post on Nov. 1.

Saini indicated that she is interested in the development of integrated strategies for weed management in specialty crops (vegetable, ornamental, turf, and grape production). Management of weeds in most of these crops is complicated by the limited number of herbicide options, as well as carryover concerns. Her research goal is to improve horticultural crop performance by minimizing the impact of weed populations.

Her research is focused on plant-herbicide interactions, strategic use of cultural practices and equipment to manage weeds, and potential influences of soil and climatic factors on weed growth and development.

As herbicide-resistance is a major concern throughout the world, her research work will also be focused on assessing herbicide resistant weeds in the semi-arid west Texas region and providing alternative solutions to prevent/manage herbicide resistant weeds.

CASNR officials note that Saini will spearhead development of grant submissions aimed at increasing knowledge of weeds, weeds-plant interactions, and weeds eradication in vegetable, ornamentals, turf, and grape sustainable production.

Prior to joining the Tech faculty, Saini served as a John Allwright Fellow at The University of Adelaide in Australia, and a research associate in the Department of Agronomy at Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana, India.

Saini received her bachelor's degree in agriculture from Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar, India, and a master's degree in agronomy from Punjab Agricultural University. Her doctorate in weed science is from The University of Adelaide. Recent honors for Saini include a dean's commendation for doctoral thesis excellence from The University of Adelaide (2016).

CONTACT: Eric Hequet, Department Chair, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2838 or eric.hequet@ttu.edu

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