What can farmers and landowners do to prevent Palmer amaranth from establishing?
Farmers, crop consultants and landowners are the first line of defense. Scout for and report suspected Palmer amaranth. Clean equipment that was used elsewhere. Limit infestation spread. These actions are the primary reason that Palmer amaranth has been managed successfully to date.
- Sign up for the U of MN Extension’s Minnesota Crop News blog by clicking the link Get Minnesota Crop News by email.
- Check out the Crop & Pest Report by NDSU
- Check the Online Map of Minnesota Palmer Amaranth Finds
How do I stay up-to-date on Palmer amaranth's status in Minnesota?
- Sign up for the U of MN Extension’s Minnesota Crop News blog by clicking the link Get Minnesota Crop News by email.
- Check out the Crop & Pest Report by NDSU
- Check the Online Map of Minnesota Palmer Amaranth Finds
- Weed seed devitalization – tools that change Palmer amaranth seeds so they cannot germinate
- Flame weeders – torches that allow a person or machine to direct high intensity flame onto specific plants
- Electric weeder – weeders that utilize electrical current that is directed through specific plants
- Robots – machines designed to replace human labor for weeding. Usually these machines are a delivery mechanism for flame, electric, and seed devitalization tools. Newer robot technology also utililizes artificial intelligence to detect specific weeds to be targeted.
What new technologies can be used against Palmer amaranth?
- Weed seed devitalization – tools that change Palmer amaranth seeds so they cannot germinate
- Flame weeders – torches that allow a person or machine to direct high intensity flame onto specific plants
- Electric weeder – weeders that utilize electrical current that is directed through specific plants
- Robots – machines designed to replace human labor for weeding. Usually these machines are a delivery mechanism for flame, electric, and seed devitalization tools. Newer robot technology also utililizes artificial intelligence to detect specific weeds to be targeted.
- If you think you have discovered Palmer amaranth should take clear photos of the plant(s) showing the leaves, stems and flowers/seedheads, record the location, mark the plant with a flag or flagging tape (to assist with relocating if necessary) and report it through MDA’s Report A Pest website ( https://www.mda.state.mn.us/reportapest ). Upload pictures taken of the plant(s) and provide the location (latitude/longitude) and other requested information.
- The MDA may need more information to positively identify Palmer amaranth from the pictures you have submitted. Therefore, a genetic test may be required. Along with collecting the location information, taking pictures and reporting to Arrest the Pest, it is advised that you also complete the following steps:
- If a fruiting seedhead is present, collect the entire seed head by clipping it at its base and putting into a plastic bag with a piece of wet paper towel.
- Collect five leaves from the greenest growing portion of the plant. Place leaves in a plastic bag with a piece of paper towel.
- Do not put wet leaves or seedheads into the plastic bag. Let them dry to touch before bagging.
- If the MDA asks you to submit the sample, please review and follow the Protocol for Palmer Amaranth Genetic Plant Material Collections
Sample collection/testing options/testing plans
- If you think you have discovered Palmer amaranth should take clear photos of the plant(s) showing the leaves, stems and flowers/seedheads, record the location, mark the plant with a flag or flagging tape (to assist with relocating if necessary) and report it through MDA’s Report A Pest website ( https://www.mda.state.mn.us/reportapest ). Upload pictures taken of the plant(s) and provide the location (latitude/longitude) and other requested information.
- The MDA may need more information to positively identify Palmer amaranth from the pictures you have submitted. Therefore, a genetic test may be required. Along with collecting the location information, taking pictures and reporting to Arrest the Pest, it is advised that you also complete the following steps:
- If a fruiting seedhead is present, collect the entire seed head by clipping it at its base and putting into a plastic bag with a piece of wet paper towel.
- Collect five leaves from the greenest growing portion of the plant. Place leaves in a plastic bag with a piece of paper towel.
- Do not put wet leaves or seedheads into the plastic bag. Let them dry to touch before bagging.
- If the MDA asks you to submit the sample, please review and follow the Protocol for Palmer Amaranth Genetic Plant Material Collections
