Farmers Keep Watch As Invasive Weed Spreads In North Dakota

Palmer amaranth, one of the nation’s most troublesome agricultural weeds, has been confirmed in Adams County, according to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.

A local producer discovered the suspect plants while mowing along a field edge and reported them to an NDSU weed science specialist. Samples sent to the National Agricultural Genotyping Center later confirmed the species through DNA testing.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said the finding is being managed and monitored but urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected plants to local weed officers.

Native to the southwestern United States, Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) has become a major threat to crops such as corn, cotton, and soybeans. Some populations are resistant to glyphosate and other herbicides, making the species difficult to control.

The invasive weed often spreads through contaminated seed mixes, farm equipment, feed, manure, and even wildlife. Its rapid growth and adaptability—fueled further by warming temperatures and longer growing seasons—pose ongoing challenges for North Dakota farmers and land managers.

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Researchers with the USDA and partner universities continue studying Palmer amaranth’s resistance and range expansion to develop more effective management strategies.

A local producer discovered the suspect plants while mowing along a field edge and reported them to an NDSU weed science specialist. Samples sent to the National Agricultural Genotyping Center later confirmed the species through DNA testing.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said the finding is being managed and monitored but urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected plants to local weed officers.

Native to the southwestern United States, Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) has become a major threat to crops such as corn, cotton, and soybeans. Some populations are resistant to glyphosate and other herbicides, making the species difficult to control.

The invasive weed often spreads through contaminated seed mixes, farm equipment, feed, manure, and even wildlife. Its rapid growth and adaptability—fueled further by warming temperatures and longer growing seasons—pose ongoing challenges for North Dakota farmers and land managers.

Get our free mobile app

Researchers with the USDA and partner universities continue studying Palmer amaranth’s resistance and range expansion to develop more effective management strategies.