Planting progress may have been slowed by the recent precipitation, but weed emergence continues despite wet field conditions. Be aware that Palmer amaranth has begun to emerge. We scouted our Palmer amaranth field location west of Kankakee on May 8 and observed emerged Palmer amaranth plants (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Emerged Palmer amaranth

We returned to the field on May 15 to find a very robust Palmer amaranth population (Figure 2). The largest Palmer amaranth plants found on May 15 were approximately 2 inches tall with 6 to 8 true leaves.

Figure 2. Emerged Palmer amaranth

Some leaf petioles on older Palmer amaranth plants had already elongated to approximately twice the length of the leaf blade, but we did not find any leaves with chevrons or watermarks. Extension weed scientists in Iowa and Ohio have also reported finding emerged Palmer amaranth plants in their respective states.

Completing corn and soybean planting will assume top priority when field conditions are again suitable, but please do not overlook the need to control emerged Palmer amaranth in fields already planted. The return of warm air temperatures coupled with ample soil moisture will help emerged Palmer amaranth plants grow very rapidly. Post-emergence herbicides should be applied before Palmer amaranth plants are taller than 4 inches. It is NOT advisable to delay the application of post-emergence herbicides until additional Palmer amaranth plants emerge. Delayed application of post-emergence herbicides, whether by choice or due to adverse weather conditions, can lead to disastrous outcomes.

Palmer amaranth continues to germinate throughout much of the growing season, making it altogether likely that additional Palmer amaranth plants will emerge following the initial post-emergence herbicide application. Consider including a soil-residual herbicide with the post-emergence herbicide to control additional Palmer amaranth emergence and allow the crop to gain a competitive advantage over later-emerging weeds.