University of Illinois to Offer Assistance Identifying Palmer Amaranth
Accurate identification of weedy Amaranthus species during early vegetative stages sometimes can be difficult. Differentiating between smooth pigweed and waterhemp is relatively easy since one species (smooth pigweed) has pubescence on the stem and leaves while the other does not. However, differentiating between waterhemp and Palmer amaranth during early vegetative stages can be much more difficult. To assist weed management practitioners in accurately identifying Palmer amaranth, we will accept tissue samples from suspected Palmer amaranth plants and use tools of molecular biology to identify whether the plant is Palmer amaranth or another species of Amaranthus. Information on how to collect and submit tissue samples from suspected Palmer amaranth plants can be found in the “Palmer Amaranth Identification” form that accompanies this article. Please download this form, provide as much information as possible, and submit it along with the tissue samples to the address listed at the top of the form.