Getting to Know Vijaya Bhaskar
Vijaya Bhaskar is Teagasc’s first integrated weed management Research Officer, based in Oak Park. Here, he explains the challenges of his role.
Vijaya Bhaskar is Teagasc’s first integrated weed management Research Officer, based in Oak Park. Here, he explains the challenges of his role.
Hi Vijaya! Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m originally from India, but I have now spent a good portion of my life in Europe, where I completed my post-grad education and post-doc assignments. Now, I live in Ireland, working as a Research Officer in integrated weed management (IWM).
IWM combines cultural control strategies, such as crop rotation, stale seedbed techniques, time of sowing and other management approaches to reduce weed pressure and avoid excessive use of herbicides.
When did you first become interested in scientific research?
Despite a non-farming background, I quickly gravitated towards agricultural science, where my curiosity in improved methods of food production was awakened. During my two master’s degrees, I became interested in research and analysis, and how I could contribute to this area.
What led you to Teagasc?
I initially joined Teagasc as a contract Research Officer as part of the EIP-funded Enable Conservation Tillage grass-weed research and extension project. Following that, I had a brief period in another funded project, before becoming an integrated weed scientist as part of the Crop Science team in Oak Park.
Over the last 40 years, we have relied heavily on herbicide weed control strategies. However, loss of herbicides, due to tighter regulations, and increased herbicide resistance, has now created a production sustainability challenge. This is a great challenge that I am really excited to take on! I hope to quickly build up scientific research to contribute to sustainable agricultural production.
What does your current research focus on?
My focus is on herbicide resistance evolution in critical grass and broad-leaved weeds and implications for weed control, as well as the development of IWM suitable for our climate and cropping systems. I also work with different production and crop establishment systems.
What are your interests outside of work?
I love chess and have played at a state level. Now, I play with my wife and daughter. As a family, we are also passionate about food, especially experimenting with Michelin recipes.
Contact
vijaya.bhaskar@teagasc.ie