The results are in. Around 400 farmers answered the AgWeb poll of: What Is Your Top Weed Nemesis on Your Farm?
Waterhemp took the top spot, earning 35% of the votes. Second was Palmer amaranth, with 15% of the votes.
Here are the full results:
Farmers have reported yield losses from uncontrolled Palmer amaranth of up to 91% in corn and 79% in soybeans, according to USDA.
Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, both pigweed species, are often cited as driver weeds in the U.S. because of their prolific seed production, competitiveness with crops, genetic diversity and ability to germinate throughout the growing season.
Read More: Take the Wheel: Prevent Driver Weeds from Gaining an Upper Hand
Waterhemp and Palmer amaranth earning top spots isn’t too surprising. The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) recently deployed a survey to nearly 200 weed scientist across North America to find out more about weeds in farmers’ fields.
Here’s their ranking for the most troublesome weeds:
1. Palmer Amaranth
2. Common Lambsquarters
3. Horseweed (Marestail)
4. Morning Glory (ivyleaf, pitted, tall)
5. Waterhemp (tall, common)
6. Nutsedge (yellow, purple)
7. Kochia
8. Common Ragweed
9. Giant Ragweed
10. Nightshade (eastern black, hairy)
Here is the ranking for the most common weeds:
1. Common Lambsquarters
2. Foxtail (giant, green, yellow)
3. Morning Glory (ivyleaf, pitted, tall)
4. Palmer Amaranth
5. Redroot Pigweed
6. Waterhemp (tall, common)
7. Horseweed (Marestail)
8. Common Ragweed
9. Barnyardgrass
10. Velvetleaf
