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Industry announces new Palmer Amaranth test

 

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) has introduced a new test to identify Palmer Amaranth seed and keep it out of native seed sources.  Palmer Amaranth has been found in CRP native seed mixes and is being blamed for the first discovery of the weed last year in Minnesota as well is field infestations in other areas.

The test was developed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture and Eurofins BioDiagnostics; it sequences DNA to differentiate Palmer Amaranth from other amaranth and weed species.  The Minnesota Department of Agriculture Plant Protection Division provided support to the test development and while it is still only available on a limited basis, the department will accept the test for labeling purposes.

Andy LaVigne, president and CEO of ASTA says the DNA test will provide companies and their customers with an additional tool to ensure the seed they are purchasing is pure.

In addition to the DNA test, seed producers can also use a growout method from the Illinois Crop Improvement Association to evaluate whether weed seeds are Palmer Amaranth.

Palmer Amaranth has been designated as a noxious weed in Ohio, Minnesota, and Delaware.