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Educating Ohio Producers on Emerging Weed Issues: Waterhemp and Palmer Amaranth

Beth Scheckelhoff and Jeff Stachler

Summary

Ohio farmers are facing new production challenges, including emerging noxious weeds that will increase management costs and decrease yields over time if these species become established. In recent years, weed surveys in Ohio have identified the presence of two pigweed species, Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) and waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis) to varying degrees across the state. In an effort to curb the establishment of waterhemp and Palmer amaranth in Putnam County, OH, a summer workshop and winter educational program were designed to increase farmer awareness and knowledge of these species. Both programs exposed farmers to live pigweed plants either harvested from nearby fields (summer) or grown in a greenhouse (winter) for identification training. Key discussion topics included plant biology, weed seedling characteristics for proper identification, and cultural and chemical management strategies. Over 120 individuals participated in the programs. Respondents (n=46; 38% response rate) representing 5% of farm acreage in Putnam County indicated that 37% had positively identified waterhemp and 13% had positively identified Palmer amaranth on the ground they farm. Based upon the education received, 41% of respondents indicated they would make changes in their farming practices while 30% indicated they might make changes. Program details and survey responses will be discussed in greater detail.

Details

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