Minnesota seems to be winning Palmer amaranth battle

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Minnesota seems to be winning Palmer amaranth battle

Officials in Minnesota are going to great lengths to limit the spread of Palmer amaranth, an invasive weed that’s resistant to at least five herbicide modes-of-action.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says Palmer was first confirmed in the state six years ago.

“We’ve really been able to limit it to about 10 counties, and we’ve actually been able to eradicate it which is even better.”

He tells Brownfield there are two active cases being monitored in southeast Minnesota, but collaboration has helped the state get recognized in a recent article published by the Weed Science Society of America.

“Really highlighting the work that we’ve done and it’s been a true partnership between the Department, where we have an excellent weed team that I don’t think get enough recognition. But then University of Minnesota Extension, farmers, and farm groups.”

Petersen also credits Minnesota legislators for providing resources to combat Palmer amaranth and other invasive weeds.

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