Over the last few years, I have observed more and more wild radish in my research plots and in peanut production fields.  While much of our attention was focused on Palmer amaranth, wild radish sneaked in.

It was not too long ago that wild radish grew like a winter annual (germinate in fall/die in summer) but now is actively growing year-round. Not exactly sure what happened here but a quote from the popular 1993 movie Jurassic Park sums it up nicely “Life finds a way!”

Here are 10 wild radish facts that might help you better understand this weed:

Fortunately, there is good news regarding wild radish control in peanut.  In my research plots, I have observed excellent control (≥ 90%) of wild radish with preemergence applications of Strongarm + Valor, early-post/cracking applications of paraquat + Storm, and/or postemergence applications of Cadre or Strongarm.  As with most other weeds, a program approach that includes tillage and multiple herbicide applications will be the most effective for wild radish control. 

Anytime something new appears in a peanut field, I am not surprised.  It’s Mother Nature’s way of keeping us humble.  But unlike the early days of tropical spiderwort and Palmer amaranth, much is already known about the biology and control of wild radish. I am optimistic wild radish will not become a major weed problem in peanut. 

As always, good weed hunting!

Peanut weed control (23 DAP) with preemergence applications of Prowl or Sonalan + Valor + Strongarm in 2021 (lots of Palmer amaranth, wild radish, and annual grasses in the NTC plot). Credit: Eric Prostko