Glyphosate-Resistant Palmer Amaranth Gaining a Foothold In Alabama

Palmer pigweeds have not been a major weed pest in most parts of Alabama. As surrounding states have seen major outbreaks of glyphosate resistant palmer pigweeds,

Alabama, for the most part had only isolated cases of resistance reported through the 2009 season. In 2010, reported cases of glyphosate resistant palmer pigweeds spread to 20 counties in the state up from 8 in 2009.  This dramatic spike in resistance was a wake-up call to all Alabama row crop producers that palmer pigweed resistance is now an Alabama problem too. Fall burn-down of weeds following corn and early soybean harvest have been initiated this fall in an effort to reduce weed populations for next season.  Rotations and use of herbicides with different modes of action is being encouraged. We enter the 2011 season on-guard for increased resistance problems.