Theresa Piskackova
Doctor of Philosophy in Crop Science
Thesis: Developing weed emergence and phenology predictive models
Advisor: Dr. Ramon Leon
Graduate Committee:
Dr. Chris Reberg-Horton, Dr. Katie Jennings, Dr. Rob Richardson
Research Summary:
In the agricultural industry, the goal is to be increasingly precise in what inputs are used, where, and at what time. For weed control, timing is especially important, but this is mostly left to the efficiency of a few people scouting hundreds of acres. Weed predictive modeling could reduce the need for scouting and increase the accuracy of weed management timing. My research focused on three prevalent weeds of agronomic crops in North Carolina. Over two years and multiple locations we were able to predict the timing of emergence and growth stages of Palmer amaranth, sicklepod, and wild radish. Additionally, we developed a method for quantifying emergence using digital images that will increase the ease of collecting data for further emergence models.
Publications and Presentations:
- Reinhardt TA, Leon RG (2018) Extractable and germinable seed bank methods provide different quantifications of weed communities. Weed Science 66, 715-720.
Presentations in the last 6 months
- Reinhardt Piskackova TA, Reberg-Horton C, Richardson RJ, Jennings KM, Leon RG (2020) Defining critical control windows using emergence and phenology models. Weed Science Society of North Carolina. March, Raleigh, NC.
- Reinhardt Piskackova TA, Reberg-Horton C, Richardson RJ, Jennings KM, Leon RG (2020) Defining critical control windows for Raphanus raphanistrum. Northeastern Plant Pest and Soils Conference. February, Tampa, FL.
- Reinhardt Piskackova TA, Reberg-Horton C, Richardson RJ, Jennings KM, Leon RG (2020) Using day length in phenological predictive models of Raphanus raphanistrum phenological stages. Annual Meeting of Southwest Partnership for the Advancement of Renewables from Carinata. February, Tampa, FL.
- Reinhardt Piskackova TA, Reberg-Horton C, Richardson RJ, Jennings KM, Leon RG (2020) Developing weed emergence and phenology models. North Carolina State University Department of Crop and Soil Science. February, Raleigh, NC.
- Reinhardt Piskackova TA, Reberg-Horton C, Richardson RJ, Jennings KM, Leon RG (2020) The importance of day length in wild radish phenology models. Northeastern Plant Pest and Soils Conference. January, Philadelphia, PA.
- Reinhardt Piskackova TA, Reberg-Horton C, Richardson RJ, Jennings KM, Leon RG (2020) Can repeat Photography be used to Generate Weed Emergence Models? Northeastern Plant Pest and Soils Conference. January, Philadelphia, PA.
- Reinhardt Piskackova TA, Reberg-Horton C, Richardson RJ, Jennings KM, Leon RG (2019) Using emergence and phenology models to determine minimum number of control actions. North Central Weed Science Society. December, Columbus OH.
I plan to use my degree to:
The knowledge and experience I gained while working on this Ph.D. has helped me grow as a researcher and professional. I hope that I will be able to be a more effective teacher and communicator, a more thoughtful researcher, and I now have connections and a better understanding of agriculture in North Carolina.
What I enjoyed most about my experience in Crop and Soil Sciences at NC State was:
I enjoyed being a TA for two semesters. I wish I could have done more teaching. I participated in the Graduate School Teaching and Communication Certificate in the last two semesters of my program and it has been probably the best experience at NC State. The workshops included a diverse group of people, and I was able to learn about different research and programs all over campus as well as get constructive feedback on my work and teaching strategies.
I really enjoyed the department seminars, especially when we brought in others such as for the Seeds of Change, Wernsman, and the Worsham series. The speeches themselves were important to see others research and ask questions, but I really enjoyed the discussion times that we schedule around them. Having lunch with the speakers has been extremely interesting. I always come away from these times with new ideas and motivation when I go back to my work.
While earning my degree, my greatest supporters were:
My advisor Dr. Ramon Leon and my husband Jan Piskacek.
Now that I have completed the program, I’m most looking forward to:
New adventures, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-reinhardt-piskackova-390a5684/
Messages for Theresa Piskackova
Congratulations to you on your degree. We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished. Best of luck on the next chapter of your life.
– Dawn Reinhardt
Congratulations on your final chapter of your formal education. Now you will embrace the challenge of teaching others at different levels of education. You have gained much knowledge and experience through your travels. I am proud of you and would like to thank all of the people who have helped you complete this journey. Love, Dad
– Greg Reinhardt
Many years have passed since our time in Honors English I; however, that does not lessen my happiness for you! Congratulations on achieving your PhD! I wish you excitement and fulfillment in your future.
– Suzanne Meyer
Congratulations, Theresa! Best wishes to you as you as you find your own way in the world.
– Karla Gardner
Congratulations, Theresa. Best wishes for a bright future for you and Jan.
– Billy Liles
Congratulations on your degree. I know you put in a lot of hard work to get to where you are today. Good luck in your future endeavors.
– Angela Germagliotti
Many congratulations on this achievement! We are super proud of you up here in Moorhead, MN! 🙂 🙂 🙂
– Erin Schaaf
Hi Theresa!
Congrats on this amazing accomplishment!!! Enjoy every minute of celebrating.
Have enjoyed knowing you throughout this process!
– Rachel Vann
Congratulations Theresa from your friends at UUFR!
– Chris Olson
