Palmer amaranth found in Divide County

BISMARCK – Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) has been confirmed in Divide County. One plant was pulled from a wet/green spot on the outer edges of a wheat field. A sample was taken and submitted for DNA analysis to the National Agricultural Genotyping Center, where it was confirmed as Palmer amaranth.

“While the Divide County finding is now being managed and monitored, the public is urged to contact and work with their local weed officers, NDSU Extension and other experts to identify and report any suspect plants,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “Palmer amaranth may spread through multiple channels, including contaminated seed mixes; equipment and machinery; animal feed, bedding and manure; and wildlife.”

Information on noxious and invasive weeds is available at www.ndda.nd.gov/divisions/plant-industries/noxious-weeds.

To report a suspect plant, go to www.ndda.nd.gov/pa or contact your local county weed officer.

“Palmer amaranth’s prolonged emergence period, rapid growth rate, prolific seed production, and propensity to evolve herbicide resistance quickly makes this the most pernicious, noxious, and serious weed threat that North Dakota farmers have ever faced.” – Rich Zollinger, Retired NDSU Extension Weed Scientist