Antonio DiTommaso, Cornell associate professor of crop and soil science, has been honored with the prestigious Outstanding Teacher Award from the Weed Science Society of America, which presents a variety of awards each year for excellence in research, education and extension outreach activities related to weed science.

DiTommaso received his award at the organization's 48th annual meeting, Feb. 4 to 7, in Chicago.

DiTommaso, a Cornell faculty member since 1999, specializes in weed biology and ecology, invasive plant ecology, biological weed control and integrated weed management. His recent work has focused on developing strategies to stem the spread of pale and black swallow-wort in local ecosystems in the northern United States and Canada.

He also has developed new approaches to teaching undergraduate and graduate weed science and integrated pest management courses.

The Weed Science Society of America is a nonprofit, professional society that works to increase the understanding of weeds and their impact on the environment. The society aims to educate the public about invasive plants, which cost an estimated $34.7 billion annually in the United States, according to a recent Cornell report.