Right now, there are many questions surrounding the noxious weed Palmer amaranth. University of Minnesota Extension weed scientist Jeff Gunsolus says the current focus is awareness. “This plant could easily end up in your field. People have actually found it while hand roguing waterhemp. So treat it aggressively as you would a waterhemp patch.” While harvesting, farmers should be on the lookout for Palmer amaranth in fields. If a suspicious plant is found, farmers are encouraged to work with local weed officers, Extension agents and other experts to identify and report the plant. Gunsolus says Palmer amaranth tends to be a tall, robust plant. “In the fall, the seedhead length is about two or three feet. The female plant seedhead is spiney and will pinch back at a bare hand.”
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