Officials say a “super weed” is invading the state and the Iowa House has voted to classify the invasive plant as a “noxious” weed.
That’s Representative Mike Sexton, a farmer from Rockwell City. Sexton says Palmer amaranth has spread to as many as 82 of the state’s 99 counties. The weed can reach seven feet in height and it chokes out other vegetation. It has spread through southern states and seems to have a resistance to common farm chemicals. Representative Dean Fisher, a farmer from Montour, says by classifying Palmer amaranth as a noxious weed, it would be illegal to bring the plant’s seeds into the state. County weed commissioners may be more aggressive in trying to combat the invasive plant, too.
Iowa State University experts say if Palmer amaranth gets established in a corn field, it can stifle yields by 90 percent. In a soybean field, studies show yields invaded by Palmer amaranth were cut by 80 percent. Seeds for Palmer amaranth were mixed in with other seeds that were planted on conservation areas.
