Donald Penner

Donald Penner is a Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU), part of the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. His expertise spans herbicide action, metabolism, selectivity, and resistance, particularly in crops and weeds. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology (Weed Science) from UC Davis, an M.S. in Plant Physiology from the University of Minnesota, and a B.S. in Agriculture Education from the same institution.

• Ph.D.: Plant Physiology (Weed Science), UC Davis
• M.S.: Plant Physiology, University of Minnesota
• B.S.: Agriculture Education, University of Minnesota

His research focuses on herbicide formulation, adjuvants, and resistance mechanisms in plants. Notable areas include glyphosate resistance in grasses, herbicide-soil interactions, and manganese antagonism effects. He teaches CSS 805: Herbicide Actions and Metabolism, covering herbicide properties and plant/soil processes.

Recent work explores high-fructose corn syrup as an adjuvant and the environmental fate of herbicides. Over 20 patents highlight his contributions to herbicide-resistant crop development and protective formulations.

• Key Patents: Glyphosate-resistant plant breeding (US, Canada, China), Imidazolinone-resistant sugar beets (Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgaria)

His 15 most recent publications span 2003–2014, emphasizing glyphosate resistance, formulation strategies, and herbicide-soil/plant interactions. Collaborations include Purdue Extension, ASTM International, and multiple universities.