Anita Dille, agronomist and weed scientist
Anita Dille, PhD, is an agronomist working in the area of weed science. Her research focuses on the ecology of weeds, and best ways to manage them in the field.
A specific crop she works with is grain sorghum. It’s an excellent crop to grow in the Great Plains states, like Kansas, where her research team works. Sorghum is drought tolerant and is a valued crop because it produces a gluten-free grain.
Dille’s research focuses on studying the impact weeds have on grain sorghum, and how to manage the weeds that grow in sorghum fields. Looking at the overall picture of weed management is called integrated weed management solutions.
Why do we have to control weeds in farm fields? Weeds take sunlight, water, and nutrients away from the desired crop. Dille’s team researches the impact of weeds on grain sorghum, like reducing yield. They also look at which weed species cause the most yield loss. They have found that grassy weeds are particularly hurtful to sorghum crops. Giant foxtail, barnyardgrass, and large crabgrass are key weeds that they focus on.
One area of weed management research is when to best apply the herbicide. It’s best for growers to apply the right herbicide at the right time. The weeds need to be controlled with herbicides or other tools that best fit the environmental situation.
In addition, weed plants are more susceptible to chemicals at various growth stages, so researchers try to predict the right time to apply the treatment as well as the right dose or type of control.
Dille’s work takes her not only to the field but into the lab and greenhouse, too. To really isolate the plants (for example, to keep other pollens or insects away from them), researchers grow them in growth chambers. This helps the scientists tightly control variables like temperature, and the amount of moisture and sunlight a plant receives.
Research work is done on a continuum. Dille’s team applies the information they gain about plant growth from the growth chambers to decisions about the next research steps, which might be in the greenhouse, or planting directly in a field.
The goal of their research is to find ways to reduce weed growth while maximizing the yield of the sorghum. They measure many different attributes of the plants. In the lab, they measure leaf area very quickly by using leaf area machines. This helps them determine how much the weeds are competing with the crop.
Dille works with other university faculty, students, and grain sorghum growers to identify key research topics.
Twice each month her research team gathers to discuss progress, success, and roadblocks, and engage in general brainstorming. The best science works when everyone collaborates and works as a team.
Findings from Dille’s research has led to recommendations for growers that help them maintain their yields, save money, and preserve the environment. The scientists she works with are dedicated to growing enough food to feed the world, and sustaining our soil and the Earth.
Watch Dille in action. Then, explore another way sorghum researchers are working to control weeds - with robotics!
Ready to meet more scientists? Visit Agronomy @ Work.