Seed Production Potential of Palmer Amaranth in Arkansas

Glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth is the most troublesome pest in Arkansas cotton production. The prolific seed production, high germination rate, and rapid growth coupled with the lack of post emergence herbicide control options make this species a constant threat to cotton farmers. Sustainable control of Palmer amaranth requires careful management of seed in the soil seedbank. To emphasize the importance of managing seedbanks, it is critical to understand the number of seed produced by individual plants. This research was conducted to quantify the seed production potential of large Palmer amaranth escapes growing in Arkansas cropland.