Alan K. Watson

Biography

Alan Watson was born and raised on a mixed farm in the interior of British Columbia. He attended the University of British Columbia for BSc (Agr) and MSc degrees. His PhD degree was obtained from the University of Saskatchewan and he came directly to McGill University to begin his professorial career .

Research Interest

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) are the major temperate species being studied in Canada. A bioherbicide product has been commercialized for control of dandelion (photo at left) and other broadleaved weeds in turfgrass. Research has gone beyond Canada into Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa to investigate biological methods for less developed nations and subsistence farmers. Significant progress towards effective biocontrol strategies for several rice weeds in Southeast Asia and a possible solution for Striga (witchweed) (photo at right), the major threat to African cereal crops, have been achieved.