Steckel Elected Fellow by Weed Science Society of America

JACKSON, Tenn. – Larry Steckel, Extension weed specialist and researcher in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), has been named a Fellow of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA).

One of the society’s highest honors, WSSA Fellows are active members who have made significant contributions to weed science through research, extension, education, publications and service. Steckel’s applied research program focuses on the biology and management of three of Tennessee’s most troublesome, multiple-herbicide-resistant weeds in row crop production: Palmer amaranth, Italian ryegrass and horseweed.

Steckel was among a select group of researchers to receive the distinction, presented to him during the WSSA annual meeting in North Carolina in February.

“It’s an honor to be named a Fellow of WSSA,” says Steckel. “With more than 90% of Tennessee row crop producers utilizing no-till farming technology, having timely and accurate data to guide weed control is critical for staying ahead of infestations and preventing yield loss. I consider it a great privilege to be a part of this process alongside farmers, consultants and county Extension agents.”

Steckel has been a member of WSSA since 1988 when he joined as a graduate student. His service to the society includes terms on the Board of Directors as Secretary and on the Executive Board as President Elect, Vice President and President.

In 2023, Steckel was named Fellow of the Southern Weed Science Society, his research and Extension program also recognized by numerous awards from professional organizations and UTIA. He was awarded two Outstanding Paper Awards in 2017 and 2018 for manuscripts in Weed Technology, where he has reviewed more than 100 manuscripts as associate editor. Throughout his more than two-decade career, Steckel has authored or co-authored more than 100 refereed journal articles and given more than 700 Extension presentations.

He has also mentored three master’s students and six PhD students to completion of their degrees. Steckel says he looks forward to witnessing their accomplishments as part of the next generation of plant science professionals.

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The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.

–Tate Cronin, UTIA