Growing Among the Weeds

Sustainable Solutions

Weeds have long plagued agriculture, causing immense crop loss and threatening food security. As a professor of weed science and agronomy in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Bagavathiannan seeks innovative solutions to these age-old challenges and some new ones, too. In modern agriculture, many weeds have developed resistance to herbicides. His award-winning research spans the development of sustainable non-chemical weed management strategies that utilize cutting-edge technologies and advanced agronomic practices.

“We are studying how electrocution can be used to kill weeds and how different colored lights can help suppress them,” Bagavathiannan said. “We also use sensors mounted on drones and ground vehicles for mapping weeds in the field because they provide vital information for more precise and effective weed control.”

Bagavathiannan’s agricultural journey began on his family’s farm in the Tamil Nadu state of southern India. He recognized the pressing need for sustainable agricultural practices and believed weed science was an untapped frontier for meaningful change. In a constantly growing world facing ever-evolving challenges, his research provides hope for a more resilient and food-secure future.

“Weed resistance issues continue to threaten crop production throughout Texas and the world,” he noted. “We not only need to develop alternative weed control methods but also create awareness among practitioners on responsible uses of herbicides to minimize their unintended impacts on nearby sensitive crops, wildlife, bodies of water and fisheries.”

Cultivating Scientists

Beyond driving Bagavathiannan’s research, his professorship has created a generational ripple effect by empowering him to mentor budding agricultural scientists like Sarah Chu ’26, a Ph.D. student under his guidance. Chu’s research revolves around non-chemical methods and integrated weed resistance management in vital crops of Texas, particularly cotton.

“Dr. Muthu goes out of his way for every single one of his graduate students to make sure we get the help and direction we need,” Chu said. “When he was away in India, he woke up at 2 a.m. India Standard Time to submit the materials I needed for a fellowship.”