Mississippi State University researchers and graduates received top awards this year from the Southern Weed Science Society.

Dan Reynolds, a Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station researcher and professor in MSU’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, was named the 2012 weed scientist of the year by the society, the highest honor awarded.

Jason Bond, MAFES researcher at MSU’s Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, Miss., was named the 2012 outstanding young weed scientist in academia.

Cody Gray, who earned his doctorate at MSU, was named the 2012 outstanding young weed scientist in industry.

David Shaw, MSU vice president for research and economic development, was given the 2012 distinguished service award in academia.

Mike Phillips, head of MSU’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, said these honors reflect the quality of work and the level of expertise at MSU. “It is a distinct honor for such an outstanding group to be recognized by the Southern Weed Science Society. These awards speak highly of the leadership we provide in production agriculture to the state and region.”

The society presented these and other awards at their annual meeting Charleston, S.C.