In recognition of his outstanding contributions to key weed science initiatives and advancements, Texas Tech’s Department of Plant & Soil Science Rockwell Chair of Weed Science Peter Dotray has been selected to receive the national Weed Science Society of America’s Outstanding Extension Award. The Minnesota native, who also serves as a Lubbock-based Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Weed Specialist, was presented the honor earlier this semester at a joint meeting of the WSSA and the Canadian Weed Science Society in Vancouver, British Columbia.
“It is truly an honor to receive this extension award,” said Dotray. “Interactions with growers, crop consultants, allied industry partners, and county agricultural agents is a critical step to deliver and observe how research results are used to make a difference. And it’s important to stress that some of our best research projects started from questions from our growers.”
Since joining Tech’s faculty in 1993, Dotray has taught students principles of weed science, along with modes and mechanisms of herbicide action. His research interests broadly focus on developing effective and economical weed management systems in cotton and other crops grown in rotation with cotton. As an Extension Weed Specialist, he serves in District 2, a 20-county area home to 3.5 million acres of cotton on the Texas Southern High Plains.
Dotray received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and master’s degree from Washington State University. His doctorate in agronomy (herbicide physiology) is from the University of Minnesota. Recent awards for Dotray include the a Chancellor’s Council Distinguished Teaching Award (2022), Davis College Teaching Award (2020); Texas County Agricultural Agents Association Specialist of the Year (2019, 2011); Davis College Research Award (2015); Texas Tech Integrated Scholar (2015); Dow AgroSciences Award for Excellence in Research (2011) and Teaching (2013); and the Davis College Service and Outreach Award (2006).
In addition, Dotray is a member of Texas Tech’s Teaching Academy, an elite group of professionals striving to bring together the best teaching faculty across campus. He has also taught RaiderReady – a one-credit course meant to assist students in the difficult transition from high school to college - to first-year students for decades.
WSSA program leaders noted that the Canada-based gathering of North America’s top weed scientists was designed to promote the latest knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems. “Our member scientists are devoted to innovating through research and extension efforts,” said WSSA President Hilary Sandle in a press statement. “Their dedication and successful work help to minimize or eliminate negative impacts caused by weeds that threaten to reduce crop yields.”
CONTACT: Clint Krehbiel, Dean, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or Clint.Krehbiel@ttu.edu
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