Illinois: Palmer Amaranth Field Research Tour July 30 at Union Hill

The University of Illinois weed science program will hold a field tour and discussions on July 30 at the Palmer amaranth research site, located approximately ½ mile east of the intersection of county roads 14000 west and 3000 north near the community of Union Hill, Ill.

The tour will provide an opportunity for farmers, input suppliers, members of the media, and others to have a first-hand encounter with a Palmer amaranth population thriving just a few miles south of Chicago. The tour will feature four presentations by weed scientists that highlight the identification, biology, and management of Palmer amaranth, and will also provide ample opportunity to view the numerous research plots. 

Participants will receive a complimentary tour booklet that contains field research protocols and maps to help guide them through the research plots.

The tour will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude with a catered lunch around noon.  Advanced registration is available here. There is no fee to attend and credits for certified crop advisers will be available.

Tour presentations will include:

• Larry Steckel, Extension weed scientist, University of Tennessee, will provide tips on Palmer amaranth identification and also share his vast experience in managing this invasive and extremely competitive weed species in Tennessee.
• Pat Tranel, professor of molecular weed science, U of I, will discuss the current status of herbicide resistance among waterhemp and Palmer amaranth populations in Illinois, and also offer insights into how to best employ future technologies to manage these dioecious pigweeds.
• Aaron Hager, Extension weed scientist, U of I, will discuss recommendations to manage Palmer amaranth in Illinois agronomic crops, including how to best utilize soil-residual herbicides in combination with intense crop scouting, timely applications of foliar-applied herbicides, and other mechanical and cultural methods.
• A representative of Bayer CropScience will also provide an update on new Bayer traits and technologies under development to help manage Palmer amaranth and other troublesome weeds.

“Our Palmer amaranth field research activities and tour are in collaboration with scientists and researchers from Bayer CropScience.  We thank Bayer CropScience and all our research partners for providing the research support necessary to better understand and manage Palmer amaranth in Illinois, said Hager.