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Palmer amaranth is native to Southwestern U.S. and was first reported outside of its native range in Virginia in 1915, but was not a significant weed in the Southeast until the 1990s. This species is one of the most economically important weeds of corn, cotton, and soybean; some populations are resistant to glyphosate and other herbicides.

Pigweed is a major challenge to our farmers and growers. It is extremely resilient and resistant to many herbicides, posing a significant threat to the agriculture industry. ARS scientists in Stoneville MS, along with collaborators from Clemson University, are researching the pigweed itself to find ways to mitigate this highly adaptable weed.

In summer 2019, a population of Palmer amaranth was identified in pumpkin fields in East Windsor, Hartford. This is the first report of Palmer amaranth in Connecticut.
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