Matthew Ryan
I am a MS candidate working with Dave Mortensen in the Weed Ecology Lab, and am interested in improving crop production systems by increasing their tolerance to weeds while conserving in-field biological diversity. My current research focus is on comparing weed species diversity and weed-crop competition between different types of crop production systems, with the majority of my research being conducted within the Farming Systems Trial at The Rodale Institute. My other research interests include optimization modeling of crop rotations and using cover crops for weed suppression in reduced tillage systems.
Before joining the Weed Ecology Lab at Penn State, I worked at The Rodale Institute as a research technician, where I conducted studies on cover crops, compost utilization, organic no-till production and the use of compost tea as a plant disease suppression tool. I have B.S. in Environmental Biology from Kutztown University, and look forward to honing my research skills as a Ph.D. candidate once I complete my M.S. degree.
In my spare time I enjoy getting outdoors. During the summer months I keep myself busy with hiking, mountain biking, and gardening. As for the winter, I like to hit the slopes and get some runs in on my snowboard.
Contact Matt.
Publications
- Ryan, M.R., Mortensen, D.A., Hulting, A.G., Grube, K.M., Wilson, D.O. and P.R. Hepperly. 2006. The Influence of Management System on Weed Tolerance. Proceedings Weed Science Society of America. Abstract. 46:290.
- Ryan, M.R., Mortensen, D.A., L. Bastiaans. 2006. Enhanced Tolerance to Weed Competition: Effects of Crop and Soil Management in a Long-Term Cropping Systems Trial. European Weed Science Society Crop-Weed Interactions Workshop. Rothamsted, September 12-15. Pp 16.