PUBLISHED ON September 27, 2026
BROOKINGS, S.D. — The South Dakota State University Weed Science graduate team placed second in the Western Society of Weed Science category at the North Central Weed Science Society and WSWS Joint Student Weed Contest, hosted by Bayer, July 29-30.
Students, representing both an undergraduate team and a graduate team, prepared for months studying weed identification, unknown herbicide identification, farmer problem-solving and recommendations, sprayer calibration and mathematical problems related to herbicide use and sprayer calibration.
This was the first time SDSU has prepared for and participated in this contest. Sachin Dhanda, assistant professor of weed ecology and the teams’ coach, said this contest provides students with valuable real-world experience beyond the classroom.
“It challenges them to apply their knowledge to practical weed management problems, strengthen their problem-solving skills and build confidence that will benefit them throughout their careers,” said Dhanda, a faculty member in the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science.
The competition also provides students with opportunities to network with university faculty, researchers, industry professionals and students from other universities.
Prajwal R. Shashishekhar, a student on the graduate team from Karnataka, India, focuses on research rooted in genetics and plant breeding. He said he is thankful for Dhanda and his teammates for making this experience possible.
“Participating in the weed contest was more than a competition — it broadened my perspective as an aspiring researcher and connected my background in genetics and plant breeding with practical weed science,” he said. “The experience strengthened my understanding of weed management and herbicide response and their importance to sustainable crop production.”
Another teammate, Ashish Chaudhary, is from Lumbini, Nepal. He said taking part in the weed contest was a great way to put their knowledge to the test outside of the classroom.
“While I’m proud of our second-place finish, the contest was a real reality check,” Chaudhary said. “It helped me realize how much more I need to learn across every part of weed science.”
Dhanda thanked Fritz Koppatschek from ABG Ag Services for organizing a practice session, as well as Klingbeil Endowed Department Head of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Karen Sanguinet, SDSU Extension Weed Specialist Eric Jones and SDSU Extension Weed Ecology Field Specialist Graig Reicks for their valuable support. He said he is extremely proud of both SDSU teams for their hard work, teamwork and strong performance.
“I look forward to seeing our students continue to learn, grow and represent SDSU in future competitions,” Dhanda said.
Members of the graduate team included:
Members of the undergraduate team included:
— SDSU
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