Mississippi State University Awards Distinguished Assistantship to Whitt

Dalton Whitt, a doctoral student at Mississippi State University (MSU), has been awarded the prestigious Dr. Will D. Carpenter Distinguished Field Scientist Graduate Assistantship. This assistantship, funded by Bayer, recognizes Whitt’s commitment to advancing research in weed science, a critical area of study for modern agriculture.

The assistantship is named after Will D. Carpenter, a notable MSU agronomy graduate from the class of 1952. Carpenter dedicated three decades to Monsanto, a company acquired by Bayer in 2018. He retired as vice president and general manager of the company’s new products division in the early 1990s. The funding for this assistantship comes from a substantial $500,000 endowment, which includes a scholarship and stipend that will support Whitt’s research efforts.

Significance of the Assistantship

Whitt’s selection for the Carpenter Assistantship underscores MSU’s dedication to cultivating the next generation of agricultural scientists. His work focuses on addressing urgent crop management challenges, particularly in relation to weed science.

A native of Greenville, Whitt’s passion for weed science was ignited during summer jobs at agricultural research stations, including Corteva Agriscience in Stoneville. He credits his grandfather, a former employee of the USDA in Stoneville, with inspiring his scientific curiosity. “He encouraged me to ask questions and look at the world through a scientific lens,” Whitt said.

Whitt holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Delta State University and a master’s degree in agronomy from MSU. Currently, he collaborates with Jason Bond, a research and extension professor in weed science, stationed at the Delta Research and Extension Center. Their research focuses on Italian ryegrass, a prevalent winter annual weed in row crop systems throughout the Southeast.

Research Focus and Goals

Whitt’s primary objective is to provide practical solutions for growers to manage Italian ryegrass effectively. “Finding useful and realistic answers for growers is our main priority,” he stated. His research aims to identify economically and environmentally responsible strategies for weed management.

In response to increasing concerns over herbicide resistance, Whitt conducted a statewide survey collecting seeds from 87 different populations of Italian ryegrass. He cultivated these seeds in controlled greenhouse conditions to assess their resistance to commonly used herbicides. His ongoing research also examines how management practices for Italian ryegrass influence soil fertility and herbicide effectiveness under varying weather conditions.

According to Bond, Whitt’s prior research on a new herbicide for the U.S. rice industry showcased his potential for doctoral work. “Dalton’s experience and skillset align perfectly with the assistantship,” Bond remarked. “The Delta Research and Extension Center is fortunate to have a young scientist contributing to our research.”

For those interested in supporting MSU assistantships, contact Will Staggers, director of development for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, at 662-325-2837. More information about the MSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences can be found at www.pss.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University remains committed to addressing pressing agricultural challenges and fostering the development of future leaders in the field. For further details, visit www.msstate.edu.