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David Russell

Assistant Extension Professor (Weed Science)

Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences

(256) 353-8702 

  dpr0013@auburn.edu 

  

Get In Touch

Address:
257 Funchess Hall
Auburn Univ, AL 36849

Biography

EDUCATION

  • Doctor of Philosophy. Mississippi State University. December 2017. Plant & Soil Sciences, concentration in Weed Science. Dissertation: Controlling forage weed species detrimental to livestock production.
  • Master of Science. Mississippi State University. August 2012. Agriculture, concentration in Agronomy. Thesis: Establishment methods of Arundinaria species for restoration purposes.
  • Bachelor of Science. Mississippi State University. December 2009. Landscape Contracting.
  • Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. Mississippi State University. December 2009.
  • Associate of Arts. Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Wesson, MS. May 2005.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • July 2019 – present. Assistant Research and Extension Professor. Department of Crop, Soil, & Environmental Sciences. Auburn University. Appointment: 75% Extension, 25% Research
  • September 2013 – June 2019. Extension Associate I – III. Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. Mississippi State University. Appointment: 100% Extension. Focus Area: Forages and Non-Crop/ROWs

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Achievement Award – National Association of County Agricultural Agents – Alabama state winner. (2024)
  • Communication Award – Fact Sheet Category, State Winner. Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents. (2023)
  • Professional Excellence Award: Applied Research Poster ‐ 3rd place. Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents. (2023)
  • Auburn Author Award. Alabama Forage Handbook. (2022)
  • Communication Award – Course Module Category. Southern Regional Winner. Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents. (2022)
  • Communications Award: Fact Sheet Category. – State Winner. Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents. (2021)
  • Communications Award: Feature Story Category. – State Winner. Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents. (2020)
  • Sam Pittman Excellence in Vegetation Management Award. Mississippi Vegetation Management Association. Biloxi, MS (2017)
  • Communications Award, 3rd place – Publication category. Mississippi Association of County Agricultural Agents. (2017)
  • Excellence in Agriculture – Region 4 winner. Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, Young Farmers and Ranchers. (2017)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

  • Southern Weed Science Society
  • Weed Science Society of America
  • National Roadside Vegetation Management Association
  • American Forage and Grassland Council
  • Alabama Vegetation Management Association
  • Alabama Invasive Plant Council
  • Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and Specialists

Research

Weed species pressure continues to be a competitive factor affecting producer profits and yields in Alabama cropping systems. I manage an applied, IPM research program that addresses statewide needs in areas of grain crops, forage pasture, non-crop, rights-of-way, and invasive species management. My program’s objectives are to, 1) Increase producers’ knowledge of troublesome weeds that may lead to economic and environmental losses, 2) Increase adoption of integrated, systems-based weed management techniques, and 3) Improve crop yields and animal performance by proactive weed control approaches. My program helps answer producers’ needs in an applied and tangible way through a multitude of replicated field research trials and demonstrations across Alabama.

Courses

Program Areas:
Agronomic Crops; Animal Sciences & Forages

Geographic Area of Responsibility:
Statewide

Publications

RESEARCH

  1. Byrd, J., Russell, D.P., & Broster, K. 2023. The First Weed Management Textbook in the United States (Part 2). Weed Technology, 1-23. doi:10.1017/wet.2023.77
  2. Byrd, J., Russell, D., & Broster, K. (2023). The first weed science textbooks in the United States (Part 1). Weed Technology, 1-28. doi:10.1017/wet.2023.64
  3. Byrd, J.D., Maddox, V., Russell, D. 2020. Right of Way Integrated Vegetation Management: Essential to keep the US Economy Moving. Outlooks on Pest Management, 31(5):201-206.
  4. Barksdale, N., Byrd, J.D., Zaccaro, M.L., Russell, D.P. 2020. Evaluation of Herbicide Efficacy and Application timing for Giant miscanthus Biomass Reduction. Weed Technology, 34(3):371-376.
  5. Russell, D.P., J.D. Byrd Jr., and M.L. Zaccaro. 2018. Preemergence and Postemergence Control of Perilla Mint (Perilla frutescens): Avoiding Toxicity to Livestock. Weed Technology, 1-7. doi:10.1017/wet.2018.12
  6. Zaccaro, M.L., J.D. Byrd, and D.P. Russell. 2017. Tolerance of Several Legumes to Residual Imazapyr Applied Under Greenhouse Conditions. Weed Technology, 1-6. doi:10.1017/wet.2017.79

EXTENSION

  1. Steedley, K., Loewenstein, N.J., Russell, D.P. May 2024. Poison Hemlock in Alabama. Alabama Cooperative Extension Systems Agricultural and Natural Resources Publication. FOR-2150.
  2. Loewenstein, N.J., Russell, D.P., Enloe, S.F., Cain, D. 2023. Cut Stump Herbicide Treatments for Woody Plant Control. Alabama Cooperative Extension Systems Agricultural and Natural Resources Publication. ANR-1465.
  3. Russell, D.P. 2023. Herbicide Options for Tall Fescue Seedhead Suppression. Alabama Cooperative Extension Systems Agricultural and Natural Resources Publication. ANR-2971.
  4. Loewenstein. N. D. Russell, and S. Enloe. 2023. Control Options for Chinese Privet. Alabama Cooperative Extension Systems Agricultural and Natural Resources Publication. ANR-1468.
  5. Loewenstein, N.J., Russell, D.P. 2022. Eastern Baccharis Identification & Control. Alabama Cooperative Extension Systems Agricultural and Natural Resources Publication. FOR-2129.
  6. Dillard, S.L., L.S. Silva, M.K. Mullenix, A. Rabinowitz,, A. Gamble, D. Russell, J. Sawyer, K. Kesheimer, K. Kelley, M. Runge, R. Prasad, and S. Rodning. 2021. Alabama Forages Handbook.
  7. Griffin, M., L. Silva, L. Dillard, K. Mullenix, D. Russell, and J. Elmore. 2021. Pasture and Grazing Management Guide. Alabama Cooperative Extension Systems Agricultural and Natural Resources Publication. ANR-2731.
  8. Russell, D.P. 2020. Sprayer Calibration made Simple. Alabama Cooperative Extension Systems Agricultural and Natural Resources Publication. ANR-2693
  1. Loewenstein, N.J., P. Russell, S.F. Enloe. 2020. Callery Pear: History, Identification and Control. Alabama Cooperative Extension Systems Agricultural and Natural Resources Publication. FOR-2078

EXTENSION

Philosophy:

The central role of teaching through Extension is to educate individuals, enabling them to make informed decisions to improve their livelihoods, families, and communities. My goal is to emphasize the process of experiential learning, which connects the educator’s intentional action and knowledge with the learner’s prior experiences. Understanding the audience and their ideas is crucial for addressing their needs with research-based knowledge. I believe learning is most effectively facilitated and knowledge retained when the teaching experience is meaningful and relevant. Practically, outreach and education are conducted through various outlets such as producer field days, on-site demonstrations, one-on-one consultations, publications, social media, and partnerships with numerous organizations.

Program Overview:

Persistent weed species threaten agricultural productivity by reducing crop quality and yields across various systems, including livestock, forage, soybean, small grains, and corn. Integrated weed management strategies are crucial to effectively tackle these issues, combining herbicides, mechanical methods, cultural practices, and preventative measures tailored to diverse agricultural needs. Since 2019, I have led an effort to put together a science-based team to ensure that our grain crop farmers, forage producers, and state and local departments of transportation reach their full potential in vegetation management while also enhancing the local ecosystems. This multi-disciplinary team and statewide programming is called “Weed Management Strategies for Alabama Cropping Systems”.

The primary objectives of Weed Management Strategies for Alabama Cropping Systems are:

  1. Educate and Support: Educate agricultural stakeholders through practical demonstrations and research-based practices.
  2. Stakeholder Collaboration: Identify and collaborate with key stakeholders and early adopters within communities.
  3. Promote Adoption: Encourage the adoption of integrated weed management practices to improve profitability and sustainability.
  4. Enhance Profitability: Support economic viability through technology adoption and improved agricultural practices.
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