Researchers from the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC) and Colorado State University have developed a new test for identifying Palmer Amaranth that is more robust, easier to use, and — most importantly — has shown 99.9% accuracy.
According to the Weed Science Society of America, Palmer amaranth takes the prize as the most troublesome weed in the United States. Palmer amaranth is not presently listed as being found in Canada, but historically it has been found in scattered locations in Ontario.
Researchers hope to make the new test technology commercially available to agronomic professionals across the United States by the end of 2021, which can be applied to both individual samples and bulk seed mixes.
“Development of tools and weed seed regulations play important roles, but ultimately it all comes back to the growers,” said lead author Anthony Brusa, a postdoctoral associate in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University if Minnesota. “Prevention of Palmer is a team effort. So far, every initial sighting of Palmer in Minnesota was from a grower, and control efforts wouldn’t be possible without their help.”
In the immediate future, the research team continues to investigate novel approaches for Palmer control, and are currently investigating the potential use of genomic testing to identify Palmer presence in soil seed banks.
“The development of these new markers and their commercialization will provide new options to seed companies labeling seed for sale in Minnesota as well as other industries that may be at risk for introducing Palmer Amaranth via screenings, hay, equipment, or feed,” said Denise Thiede, section manager for seed, noxious weed, hemp, and biotechnology at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
—with files from https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/u-m-researchers-develop-999-accurate-genetic-test-early-detection-palmer-amaranth
