Exciting opportunity to work on electric weeding technology in organic perennial crops! One graduate research assistantship at the Master’s level is available beginning in September of 2022 to investigate the impacts of electrical weed control (EWC) in organic fruit production. Organic weed control requires frequent soil disturbance, hand labor, high rates of organic herbicides, or the application of large amounts of organic or synthetic mulches. These factors can be barriers to economic, soil health, and sustainability goals. EWC could simultaneously address several of these challenges in the US high value organic perennial cropping sector. The student research assistant on this project will evaluate the performance, safety, and environmental sustainability of EWC under field conditions. This will include describing the influence of weed type, size, and age, as well as soil type and moisture conditions on control success. Additional side projects may include examining the impacts of EWC on insect pests, predators and pollinators in fruit systems. The student will also conduct crop assessments and describe impacts of EWC on perennial crop vigor. The student research assistant will analyze results and engage with local stakeholders ato present their data at field meetings and extension outreach events. In addition to preparing a thesis, the student will collaborate with the PI/Co-PIs to prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. A complete description can be found here: https://wssa.net/2021/10/graduate-research-assistant-masters-level-with-cornell-university-in-ithaca-and-geneva-ny/ For More Information: Dr. Lynn M. Sosnoskie 220 Hedrick Hall 635 W. North Street Geneva, NY 14456 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Matthew J. Grieshop PhD Associate Professor | MSU Entomology Director | MSU SAFS/EFFS program 578 Wilson Road | B11 CIPS | East Lansing MI | 48824 Lab: (517) 432-8034 | Cell: (517) 331-3725 | Fax: (517) 353-5598 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> | www.opm.msu.edu <http://www.opm.msu.edu/> MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer He/Him Pronouns