A case of Palmer amaranth, an aggressive and highly invasive weed, has been confirmed in Divide County, after DNA testing by the National Agricultural Genotyping Center verified the species.
The plant was discovered along the edge of a wheat field, prompting swift action by state officials to contain and monitor the area. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring urged farmers and residents to report any suspicious plants, noting that the weed can spread through contaminated seed mixes, machinery, animal feed, and even wildlife.
Palmer amaranth can pose a serious threat to crop yields, as it grows quickly, competes with crops for resources, and can produce hundreds of thousands of seeds per plant. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture and NDSU Extension are working together to educate producers on identification and management strategies.
Photo Credit: GROW
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