Palmer Amaranth Confirmed in Polk County

Here we go again, Palmer Amaranth has been confirmed in the tenth Minnesota County. This time in Northwestern Minnesota in Polk County. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) was called to inspect a field that was used "for the disposal of agricultural screenings." Staff from the MDA collected samples of the screening material, used genetic testing and determined it was Palmer Amaranth.

MDA staff then scouted the field and found dead Palmer Amaranth plants on the edge of the field from last year which suggests the plants grew and matured last year. The landowner is working with the MDA to eradicate the weeds plus the field and surrounding area will be scouted by the MDA this summer.

The Palmer Amaranth from all the Minnesota Counties where it has been found has been eradicated. However, the MDA staff continue to monitor and scout the fields and surrounding areas to make sure it does not become established in Minnesota. Uncontrolled one female plant can produce up to 500,000 seeds. In the picture you can also see how large a Palmer Amaranth weed can get. We do not want this weed growing in Minnesota fields!

If you suspect you may have some Palmer Amaranth growing on your land contact your agronomist, local Extension office or call the MDA.