About Amit Jhala
I born and brought up in India. I completed my bachelor's and masters in weed science from Anand Agricultural University, India. I was honored with an international scholarship sponsored by Belgium Government to conduct research at Ghent University, Belgium. I completed my doctorate in Weed Science from University of Alberta, Canada. I was a postdoctoral scientist at University of California- Davis and University of Florida before joining UNL in 2012.
What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I am an associate professor and Extension Weed Management Specialist with 50% research and 50% extension appointment. I conduct research and extension for weed management in corn, soybean, sorghum, and popcorn. The primary objective of my research/extension program is to develop a more sustainable crop production system by teaching the principles of safe, effective, and cost-effective weed management.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
Corn and soybean are major crops in Nebraska and grown on 8 to 10 and 4.5 to 6 million acres annually, respectively. Corn and soybean generate more than $5.0 billion annually, and weed management is a vital component of corn and soybean production. Nebraska has several thousand corn and soybean growers and crop consultants. With such a large and diverse industry, there is a great demand for information and education about weed management, specifically when six weeds have evolved resistance to glyphosate and they are widespread. This drew my attention to this position at UNL as there are plenty of opportunities to conduct research and extension in this subject area.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
My position has the potential to work with students, extension educators, growers, Nebraska commodity check of boards, and clientele. This is the most enjoyable. The goal of my extension program is to meet the demand for weed management education with research-based information that provides plenty of opportunities to work with stakeholders.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Working closely with county-based extension educators and growers and solving their real-world problems related to weed management is what I consider to be my greatest achievement. Additionally, seeing my graduate students receiving awards and moving forward in their life in academia/industry/government is also a great achievement.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy making cocktails and eating delicious food made by my wife as she is an amazing cook.
What is your life like outside of work?
My wife Rachana and I keep busy with a 5-year old daughter, Aarya and explore some tourist places and outdoor activities.