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Palmer amaranth spreading in Minnesota

Officials in Minnesota are trying to curb the spread of Palmer amaranth.

The invasive weed has been confirmed in two more counties this year, bringing the total to six since Palmer was first identified in the state three years ago.

University of Minnesota Extension integrated pest management specialist Bruce Potter says it’s starting to feel like déjà vu.

“Waterhemp started in the 90’s as an odd weed that wasn’t much of a big deal, and as it spread through the state it became one of the main drivers for weed management in fields.  I think we’re at the beginning stages of that with Palmer amaranth.”

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has been successful in eradicating infestations, but Potter tells Brownfield it’s up to farmers to identify early and report back to MDA.

“If you grab that seed head and those little spines on the seed head start poking you, that’s kind of the first clue you might have Palmer.”

In Minnesota, Palmer amaranth has been documented in Douglas, Lyon, Todd, Yellow Medicine, Redwood, and Jackson counties.