4 MIN READ
Comparison and Management of Waterhemp and Palmer Amaranth
March 5, 2018
Palmer amaranth and waterhemp are the core targets of most Midwest and Southern herbicide systems. The aggressive growth patterns and herbicide resistance characteristics for both weeds have made them a major economic problem in row crop production.1 For example, soybean yields were reduced by 78% by Palmer and 56% by waterhemp when there was an average of 0.75 plants per square foot when they started competing at crop emergence. Corn yields have been shown to decrease by as much as 91% with an average Palmer density of 0.84 plants per square foot.2
The grouping of Palmer amaranth and waterhemp as being similar species is sometimes done by growers. In fact, in my travels to the Missouri bootheel, growers tend to refer to all amaranth species as "pigweed." It is important to understand the differences between the two weeds when formulating a weed control system. Both Palmer and waterhemp grow at a rapid pace; however, Palmer is more aggressive. In ideal growing conditions, waterhemp can grow as much as 1-1.25 inches per day, whereas Palmer in the same conditions can grow 2-3 inches per day.3 Both species are C4 plants which is common in grass plants but only in 4% of dicot species.4 C4 plants are very efficient producers of energy in high sunlight and high heat environmental situations, much like corn plants.
The movement of waterhemp into northern areas of the U.S. is somewhat more prolific than that of Palmer. In a study conducted in Southern Illinois, emergence dates were measured for waterhemp and Palmer.5 In the spring, waterhemp seeds emerged earlier than Palmer and in cooler soils, but Palmer seeds emerged over a longer period and later into the growing season compared to waterhemp. Further evidence that might explain the resistance of Palmer to northern movement is photosynthetic rates. Palmer photosynthetic rates are most efficient at temperatures around 100° F, but when temperatures dropped to about 75° F, Palmer photosynthetic rate was reduced by 50%.4
Some characteristics of the two amaranth species are very similar. An interesting and troubling fact is that hybridization can occur between Palmer and waterhemp. It is rare, however; there are documented controlled laboratory experiment cases of herbicide resistance transferred in pollen between common waterhemp and Palmer amaranth.6 This would give merit to my counterparts in the South referring to all amaranth species as "pigweeds."
When comparing the two species, one of the things they have in common is widespread resistance to glyphosate and many other herbicide families. The first confirmed case of glyphosate resistance for waterhemp was in 2005 in Missouri and for Palmer in 2004 in Georgia. This is very important to keep in mind as a management plan is implemented.
The management strategies for Palmer and waterhemp are very similar. The aggressive growth and later growing season emergence of Palmer seedlings versus waterhemp pushes the grower to be slightly more diligent when dealing with Palmer.
- Tillage – Both species thrive in no-till and minimum till situations, especially if weed seed emerges from very shallow soil depths. Emergence of Palmer and waterhemp seed that are tilled into the soil at a depth of 2 inches or more can be reduced by 50%.7
- Overlapping residual herbicide applications – Winning the battle against Palmer and waterhemp might mean not letting the weeds emerge in the first place. The use of a residual herbicide(s) applied in a system which allows for overlapping residual activity diminishes the opportunity for weed seed germination.
- Very early postemergence (POST) herbicide applications – If POST applications will be used in a management system for Palmer and waterhemp control, plan on this application to occur very early in the season. For example, in the Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System, weeds should not exceed 4 inches in height.
- Multiple sites of action – As stated earlier in the article both weeds have resistance to multiple herbicides. An herbicide plan should include multiple sites of action to minimize resistance to these and other sites of action and to increase the durability of the herbicide program.
- Cover crops – In recent years, there has been an increased interest in using cover crops to help increase soil health and system sustainability. Certain cover crops can be used in a Palmer and waterhemp control system. In a study conducted in 2011, the researchers found an 80% decrease in waterhemp pressure following a cereal rye grass and winter pea mix cover crop.8
A well thought out management plan of Palmer and waterhemp can be a challenge but understanding the growth habits and implementing a well-thought management plan can help manage these weeds. For additional information on weed control, please visit RoundupReadyPLUS.com.
Steven Troesser
Seedsman
steven.troesser@channelseedsman.com
