By Blake Jackson
The invasive weed Palmer amaranth, often referred to as the "spotted lanternfly of weeds," has been rapidly spreading across New York state since its introduction in 2019. A recent study published in Weed Science highlights the growing threat posed by this resilient weed and offers potential solutions.
Researchers at Cornell AgriTech have discovered that some Palmer amaranth populations in New York have developed resistance to glyphosate, a widely used herbicide in soybean production. This resistance, combined with the weed's prolific seed production, makes it increasingly difficult to control.
“We can use this information to let our growers know what to expect, so they can make good decisions about how to manage the species,” said Lynn Sosnoskie, assistant professor in weed ecology at Cornell AgriTech, part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “We want to avoid these population blow-ups that become very difficult to control once they get going.”
The study found that New York's Palmer amaranth populations have evolved a unique resistance mechanism, overproducing the target protein for glyphosate. This makes it challenging for the herbicide to disrupt the plant's growth.
While some herbicides remain effective against these populations, the researchers caution against relying solely on chemical control. They advocate for a more integrated approach, including crop rotation, cover crops, and innovative technologies like targeted weed control systems.
“The best part has been wanting to understand the predicament we’re in with weeds, how much weeds can impact yields and harvest efficiency, and then working with the growers to try something new, something different and exciting,” Sosnoskie said.
By combining scientific research with practical solutions, researchers and farmers can work together to mitigate the impact of Palmer amaranth and protect New York's agricultural industry.
Photo Credit: palmer-amaranth-united-soybean-board
Categories: New York, Crops