Summer is officially here. So are weeds.
Common lambsquarters, marestail, ragweed species, and waterhemp are the primary weeds that concern people in the agriculture industry, according to a recent survey of more than 800 growers, retailers, distributors, and university experts.
The reason? These weeds are increasingly tolerant or resistant to glyphosate.
In the survey commissioned by BASF, common lambsquarters and marestail were the top weed threats for 45% of the respondents.
Close behind were common or giant ragweed, 43% and waterhemp at 41%. Morningglory species, 30%, and Palmer amaranth (a.k.a. pigweed), 26%, also were noted as weeds to watch. Palmer amaranth poses the greatest threat in the Southern U.S.
Midwestern states garnered 63% of survey responses, with 60% ranking waterhemp as their top weed to watch, followed closely by lambsquarters, 57%, and ragweed, 56%.
Of those surveyed, 52% say glyphosate resistance is a major concern for these tough-to-control weeds.
Most noted experience with weeds showing more tolerance, or herbicide resistance, than in the past.