Palmer amaranth was confirmed to have been found this summer in Stutsman, Benson, Barnes and Cass counties of North Dakota.

The prolific and potentially herbicide resistant weed has now been found in 12 North Dakota counties. In 2018 it was found at sites in Richland, Dickey, McIntosh, Foster and Benson counties, and in 2019 it was Emmons, Sioux, Morton and Grant counties.

In Barnes County this year, a crop specialist noticed some suspect plants in a field and notified the landowner. The landowner worked with a North Dakota State University Extension specialist who submitted samples for DNA analysis to the National Agricultural Genotyping Center, where it was confirmed as Palmer amaranth.

In the Cass County case, an NDSU Extension specialist found the weed within the city of Fargo. Its identity was confirmed in the same way.

“I strongly encourage agricultural producers to monitor fields for weed infestations,” says Doug Goehring, North Dakota agriculture commissioner. “If you have cattle that were fed grain screenings, pay particular attention to where their manure was spread and where they may have foraged. Do not assume it is just pigweed or waterhemp.”

Palmer amaranth may also spread through contaminated seed and animal bedding. Wild birds can spread the seed, too. During grain harvest, it can hitch a ride to other fields in the dirt and plant debris on combines and other equipment.

Farmers who find suspect plants should report them to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture or contact a local county weed officer or NDSU Extension agent.

More information on Palmer amaranth and other noxious and invasive weeds is available by visiting NDDA online.

Source: NDDA, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.