By Andi Anderson
At its June meeting, the Purdue University Board of Trustees appointed William Johnson, a professor of weed science in the botany and plant pathology department, to the prestigious position of the Corteva AgriScience Henry A. Wallace Chair in Crop Sciences.
Bernie Engel, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, praised Johnson’s work in his nomination: “Dr. Johnson's cutting-edge research, with a specific focus on addressing the needs of farmers in Indiana and neighboring states, coupled with his impactful mentorship of both graduate and undergraduate students positions him as an excellent fit for this esteemed chair.”
Ron Turco, associate dean for research and graduate education, highlighted Johnson’s scholarly contributions: “Dr. Johnson’s exceptional record in weed management, especially in corn and soybeans, has garnered national and international recognition. His innovative research, published in top-tier journals and supported by numerous grants, reflects his commitment to advancing the field.”
Johnson, who has been part of the Purdue faculty since 2002, specializes in weed management research.
His work aims to improve crop productivity, resilience, and quality while reducing environmental impacts and enhancing food security.
“I am very honored to receive this recognition for my work on the war against weeds,” Johnson said.
“I am a true believer in the land-grant mission of extending our cutting-edge research results to the ultimate end user of our information — the Indiana farmer and their farming operations.
This chair will allow me to continue to do my work on finding the most economical, efficacious, and environmentally sound approaches involving herbicides, nonchemical control methods, and the use of new technology to minimize the impact of weeds on crop yields and productivity.”
Johnson’s focus on innovative and practical weed management solutions has made significant contributions to agriculture, especially in the areas of corn and soybean production.
His research supports local farmers and has broader implications for global food security and sustainable farming practices.
With this appointment, Johnson is expected to continue his impactful research and mentorship, furthering Purdue’s mission to advance agricultural science and support farmers with the latest, most effective techniques for weed management.
His work exemplifies the university’s commitment to addressing real-world agricultural challenges and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Purdue University’s recognition of Johnson’s contributions underscores the importance of research in weed science and its critical role in supporting farmers and enhancing crop production.
Photo Credit: purdue-university
Categories: Indiana, Crops, Education