It's origin is murky, though it may be native to eastern North American and/or Central America. (Available online at, Brainard, D. C., R. R. Bellinder, and V. Kumar. (Available online at: Collins, A. S., C. A. Category: Weeds. Studies in Florida indicate that heavy canopy-forming summer cover crops such as cowpea, velvetbean, and sunn hemp can suppress the growth of smooth pigweed, provided that cover crops are planted in narrow rows and sufficiently high seeding rates to promote early canopy closure (Collins et al., 2008). In warmer climates, positive identification is important to verify that the weed present is indeed one of these species and not Palmer amaranth or waterhemp, which are particularly aggressive in the South and the Corn Belt respectively, and may require more intensive, multi-tactic management strategies. Plants are erect and usually around 3-4' in height, although they can grow larger. Search . (Available online at: Kumar, V., D. C. Brainard, and R. R. Bellinder. • At maturity, entire plant and flowering structure are usually either green or reddish purple. The hairy stems of the seedling are light green and typically red at the base. (Available online at: Costea, M., S. E. Weaver, and F. J. Tardif. Suppression of Powell amaranth (Amaranthus powellii) by buckwheat residues: Role of allelopathy. The goal is to "keep the weed guessing" by varying the timing of cultivation, crop competition, and other stresses on the weed population. Fall moldboard plowing in plots with high seed populations reduced redroot pigweed emergence the following spring by more than 90 percent (from 3,500 to 250 per 10 square feet), but plowing fields in which seed production had been prevented for six years brought deeply buried seeds to the surface, and thereby increased emergence from 1 to 25 per 10 square feet. 2011. Pigweed identification: A pictorial guide to the common pigweeds of the Great Plains. and WNMU). Male and female flowers are separate and the male flowers fall off soon after the pollen sheds. "A Quick Pigweed Identification Exercise." (b) Redroot, (c) Powell, and (d) smooth pigweeds photographed about two weeks after emergence at the 4-leaf stage and about 1 inch tall. Mature plant: Stems of the mature plant are stout with a thick and smooth lower part and a hairy, branched upper part. Redroot pigweed is an abundant seed producer that may be found throughout the United States in horticultural, nursery, and agronomic crops, landscapes, roadsides, and also in pastures and forages. Leaves are round to oval in shape and have prominent veins; both leaves and stems are covered in fine hairs (pubescent). Redroot pigweed forms terminal inflorescences up to 8 inches long by 0.5–2 inches wide (Bryson and DeFelice, 2009). Top view of the mature leaves of a redroot pigweed, photo by Howard F. Schwartz from Colorado State University via Bigwood.org. Key features of seedling and mature plants that aid in distinguishing the pigweed species are presented in this guide. Redroot pigweed (, Schonbeck, M. W., and G. H. Egley. Figure credit: Lynn Sosnoskie, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org. redroot pigweed or Powell amaranth. Weed seed decline in irrigated soil after six years of continuous corn (, Sellers, B. Blades are dull and green above while hairy beneath or at least along the veins. Homepage; Broadleaf; Grasslike; Other; redroot amaranth. The leaves are hairy on the lower surface, along the prominent veins. (c) Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California-Davis, Bugwood.org, (d) Mark Schonbeck, Virginia Association for Biological Farming. Stems have rough surfaces and can reach up to 2 m (6.5 ft) in height but are usually smaller. Tumble pigweed has a shrubby growth habit, and prostrate pigweed extends its stems parallel to the ground (this is often a sidewalk-crack rather than an agricultural weed). CONTROL TIPS. Compost Science and Utilization 6: 30–34. Green and smooth pigweed very similar. Base of plant. (Available online at: McLachlan, S. M., C. J. Swanton, S. F. Weise, and M. Tonnenar. (d) Ohio State Weed Lab Archive, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org. Pigweed, Palmer Amaranth Identification Tips for Growers May 17, 2016 COLUMBUS, Ohio – Whether it’s Palmer amaranth, waterhemp or redroot pigweed, the best way to keep weeds from taking over farm fields is to know how to identify them, says a weed scientist with the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University. Old, R. 2008. They are 10-12 mm (2/5-1/2”) long and dull green to reddish on the upper surface while being bright red underneath. Smooth Pigweed. Two pigweed species, tentatively identified as Palmer amaranth (left) and smooth pigweed (right), grow at the edge of a plastic mulched bed in organic vegetable production in Clemson, South Carolina. B. Leaves are diamond-shaped to oval or egg-shaped with the broader end nearest the petiole (ovate). Pre-publication draft, version 5.1. In the northeastern United States, Powell amaranth emerges at lower temperatures and demonstrates more tolerance for light frosts than other pigweeds (Mohler and DiTommaso, unpublished). Although seed longevity in soil up to 20 years has been reported, the majority of seeds either germinate or become nonviable within several years after they are shed. It is especially important to design crop rotations that vary the timing and intensity of soil-disturbing field operations, and the seasons at which a plant canopy is absent (i.e., at and shortly after planting). Kumar, V., D. C. Brainard, and R. R. Bellinder. (b) Closeup of redroot pigweed inflorescence showing maturing seeds, and the long, stiff bracts which give the inflorescence its rough texture. Severing pigweed plants below the cotyledonary node (i.e., at or just below ground level) can prevent shoot regeneration (Costea et al., 2004). Multimedia. Cotyledons are linear with a prominent midvein and reddish tinted undersides. What It Looks Like. Pigweeds and waterhemps belong to a group of plants known as the amaranths (genus Amaranthus). However, in Nebraska, 7% of seeds buried at a depth of 8 inches remained viable after 12 years, and 1% after 17 years (Burnside et al., 1996), and other studies have also shown greater longevity in the soil in cooler climates (Costea et al., 2004). There is some evidence that pigweeds may reduce crop yields through allelopathy. (Available online at: Knezevic, S. Z., S. F. Weise, and C. J. Swanton. Redroot pigweed, smooth pigweed, and Powell amaranth are three closely-related amaranths that have become serious cropland weeds throughout the United States and into southern Canada. Flowers are greenish and small. Like the leaves of the seedlings, those of the mature plant are alternate with wavy margins. Unpublished. A buckwheat green manure suppressed the emergence and growth of Powell amaranth, partly by taking up available soil N, and partly by releasing allelopathic compounds from decaying buckwheat residues (Kumar et al., 2008, 2009). What It Looks Like. • Leaf and stem surfaces are rough. Image courtesy of Larry Kuhns. At emergence before a full set of true leaves appear, pigweeds can be confused with other weed species such as wild buckwheat, eastern black nightshade, and ladysthumb. Pigweeds that emerge with the crop and are not controlled can substantially reduce crop yields (Fig. So if a pigweed plant has a red root, this does not always identify the plant as redroot pigweed! When weed control was discontinued after three years, the pigweed seedbank level recovered to more than half of the starting level by the end of the study. Also, redroot pigweed flowers are held in short, thick terminal branched spikes and not in elongated, stiff, mostly unbranched spikes as for Powell amaranth. It has a long, fleshy, reddish to pink taproot. 4a and 4b). The genetic variability and phenotypic plasticity (ability to vary in form or growth habit in response to environmental conditions) within each of these three species, and their potential to hybridize with each other and other weedy amaranths likely contributes to the capacity of these weeds to adapt to different environments, climates, production systems, and control tactics. Grass-legume mixtures and soil fertility affect cover crop performance and weed seed production. Redroot pigweed seedling - notched tip, small fine hairs, ovate shaped leaves. Redroot Pigweed is found in all manner of disturbed soils such as roadsides, railroads, cultivated fields, weedy shores, vacant lots, old homesteads and backyard gardens. In addition, the pigweeds: Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, redroot pigweed, Powell amaranth, and smooth pigweed, are not easily separated by species at the immature stages. 1976. Redroot pigweed Amaranthus retroflexus L.. Family: Amaranthaceae Life cycle: Annual Native status: Native to North America Habitat: Crop fields, waste areas General description: Erect, branched plant reaching heights of 6 ft. Key ID traits: Stems hairy; leaves are egg-shaped and often reddish underneath and with wavy margins; first leaf usually has notch at tip. Photo credit: Mark Schonbeck, Virginia Association for Biological Farming. Powell amaranth (A. powelii) 4. Male and female flowers are borne together on the same plant (monoecious). It thrives in open, sunny places inhabiting agricultural land other disturbed places. 2004. Omami, E. N., Haigh, R. Medd, and Nicol. The leaf shapes of Palmer amaranth are ovate to diamond shape and widest at the base. Leaves are alternate, dull green, egg- to diamond shaped with a small notch at the tip, smooth to wavy margins and long petioles. May 11, 2015. Mature fruits and seeds of smooth pigweed. 5), and may overtop lower growing vegetables, causing a crop loss. Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, May 11, 2015. Weed Science 44:74–86. Weed Research 44: 203–217. One effective management method is a stale seedbed, including a one- to two-week lag between initial and final seedbed preparation in late spring or summer. Furthermore, studies showing apparent differences among the three species in seed dormancy and germination, growth characteristics, or physiological responses may reflect traits of the particular population studied, rather than the species as a whole. Multimedia. Plant and Soil 135: 287–292. The biology of Canadian weeds. Photo credit: Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California–Davis, Bugwood.org. Both Palmer amaranth (left) and waterhemp lack hairs on the stem, petioles, and leaves compared to redroot (right) or smooth (Purdue Univ.). Seedlings can be eliminated by harrowing spring grains between the 3-leaf stage and stem elongation. All three pigweed species emerge mostly from seeds in the top 0.5 inch of the soil profile, and rarely from below 1 inch. • First leaves are more tapered and slightly pinched toward the end, unlike redroot and smooth pigweed. Redroot and smooth pigweeds have spread throughout temperate regions around the world, and their long-standing reputation as troublesome summer annual weeds has led to an extensive body of research on their seed dormancy and germination, plant growth characteristics, competition with crops, and response to control tactics. Figure 1. Synonyms: Pigweed. Welcome to the public website of eOrganic, the Organic Agriculture Community of eXtension, Funding for eOrganic is provided by USDA NIFA and other grant programs including Western SARE, Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California–Davis, Bugwood.org, Phil Westra, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-3180.2004.00392.x/abstract, http://dx.doi.org/10.1614/WT-D-10-00134.1, http://pubs.aic.ca/doi/abs/10.4141/P02-183#citart1, http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200006982, http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242415662, http://dx.doi.org/10.1614/0043-1745(2000)048[0347:GAOFAS]2.0.CO%3B2, http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/Item.aspx?catId=236&pubId=1754, http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-3180.1999.00149.x, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3180.1995.tb02015.x, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-3040.ep11611005, http://dx.doi.org/10.1614/0043-1745(2003)051[0329%3ACGOSAS]2.0.CO%3B2, https://doi.org/10.1080/1065657X.1998.10701906, Blackshaw, R. E., and R. N. Brandt. Table 1. Also, redroot pigweed flowers are held in short, thick terminal branched spikes and not in elongated, stiff, mostly unbranched spikes as for Powell amaranth. Seeds are glossy black, rounded with convex sides. They include such well known Iowa pests as redroot pigweed, smooth pig- … (c) Foliage of young Powell amaranth plants. Various mammals, including mice, also eat Pigweed seeds. Redroot Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) is a common, widespread agricultural weed in New York, which is native to North or Central America. Redroot Pigweed. Organic management suggestions are from Dr. Charles Mohler of Cornell University. 2000. A number of pigweed species are found in Ohio. Also known as Pigweed or Amaranth. 2003. Effect of windrow composting on weed seed germination and viability. Each female flower matures into a dry fruit (capsule) containing a single, small (0.04–0.05 inch diameter), dark red to black, shiny seed (Fig. Pigweed Identification using Flowering Structure. Effect of corn-induced shading on dry matter accumulation, distribution, and architecture of redroot pigweed (. Title (Click to Sort) Fact Sheet Number Tags ; Pigweed Identification Guide : ANR-77 : weeds, pigweed, palmer amaranth, redroot pigweed, waterhemp, spiny amaranth: Search form. Image Gallery ; Similar Species. Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University. To avoid adding weed seeds to crop fields, raw manure and any other organic materials that may contain viable pigweed seeds should be hot-composted for at least four weeks, with several turns to ensure thorough heating of all the material, before application. • Powell amaranth is very similar to redroot pigweed and smooth pigweed. 1999. Leaves are alternate, dull green, egg- to diamond shaped with a small notch at the tip, smooth to wavy margins and long petioles. Redroot is a common weed in gardens, roadsides, agriculture and waste areas. The final seedbed preparation must be shallow (no more than 3.8 cm/~1.5″) to avoid pulling fresh seeds up into the germination zone at the soil surface. Weed Science 24: 194–201. (Available online at: Flora of North America. The stem of the pigweed is what makes this plant so distinctive. Veins of the leaf lower surface are predominantly white. Amaranthus retroflexus L. Amaranthaceae (Amaranth family) Life cycle. Seedlings Stems below the cotyledons (hypocotyls) are without hairs (glabrous) but may sometimes be slightly hairy, and are often red in color, especially near the base. 2009. The go-to for weed ID in the Northeast; look for a new edition sometime in 2019. Weed Science 38: 429–435. This guide will help in making a correct identification based on typical pigweed characteristics. Teyker, R. H., H. D. Hoelzer, and R. A. Liebl. redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) Identification Tips tall, erect, branching summer annuals that reach heights of 3–6 feet and occasionally more Stems and leaves may be smooth and hairless, or covered with fine hairs. Horak, M. J., D. E. Peterson, D. J. Chessman, and L. M. Wax. It is a common annual weed, producing many seeds that remain viable for up to 5 years. Mohler, C. A., and A. DiTommaso. Top of flowering plant. • Branches of the flowering structure are compact, usually more than 11⁄2 inches long, and thinner than a pencil. Manage weeds on your farm: A guide to ecological strategies. In recent years, several more aggressive amaranths have superseded redroot and smooth pigweeds as top concerns among farmers in some areas, including Palmer amaranth in the South (Fugate, 2009), waterhemp in the Midwest (Horak and Loughin, 2000), and Powell amaranth in the northeastern United States and Canada (Weaver, 1984). Germination responses may vary depending on the age of the seeds, and the geographical location or production system from which they were collected. Erect summer annual. 2005. 4d). This is an eOrganic article and was reviewed for compliance with National Organic Program regulations by members of the eOrganic community. Photo credits: (a) Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org, (b) Mark Schonbeck, Virginia Association for Biological Farming, (c) Lynn Sosnoskie, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org. Pigweeds have been described as weeds of rich soils (Weaver and McWilliams, 1980), as high levels of readily available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) seem to stimulate weed growth and nutrient uptake, and to intensify competition against crops. 1981. Try to get a positive identification of the species present, and be aware that Powell amaranth may grow more rapidly in the northern United States, and smooth pigweed more so further south. Seeds are produced late summer through fall. redroot pigweed. Because of the great genetic variability, adaptability, and hybridization potential of these three weeds, populations at different locales may respond differently to temperature, other germination stimuli, and weed control tactics. Image courtesy of Larry Kuhns. Both the fresh or dry pigweed leaves can be used to making tea. Blades are dull and green above while hairy beneath or at least along the veins. It has a long, fleshy, reddish to pink taproot. Photo credits: (a) Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California - Davis, Bugwood.org. I thought it might be a good idea to refresh weed identification skills based on characteristics of the flowering structure. Seedlings: Cotyledons of the redroot pigweed plant are narrow and have a sharp end. Erect summer annual. 1980. For more information, refer to eOrganic's articles on organic certification. Maize and pigweed response to nitrogen supply and form. Green and smooth pigweed very similar. … However, reviews of multiple studies show that smooth pigweed is better adapted to warmer climates and lower latitudes, whereas Powell amaranth is best adapted and most aggressive in cool-temperate regions of the northern United States and southern Canada (Costea et al., 2004; Weaver and McWilliams, 1980). The first key, as eluded to earlier, is the correct identification of palmer amaranth and it’s very close amaranth relatives: common waterhemp, redroot pigweed, and smooth pigweed. Two common weeds that are mistaken for Palmer amaranth and waterhemp are redroot pigweed and Powell amaranth. Plants have a long, fleshy, reddish to pink taproot and stems that are erect, light green, branched, 23-35 inches high, rough and angular. In redroot pigweed, the tepals are all longer than the fruit itself; in smooth pigweed, they are all shorter than the fruit and have dark green mid-veins; and in Powell amaranth, tepals are very unequal in length with some longer and some shorter than the fruit (Costea et al., 2004). If those weeds are Redroot Pigweed Amaranth. A single, large, mature plant of redroot pigweed, smooth pigweed, or Powell amaranth can produce well over 200,000 seeds (Brainard and Bellinder, 2004; Sellers et al., 2003). (Available online at. Leaves are diamond-shaped to oval or egg-shaped with the broader end nearest the petiole (ovate). Redroot pigweed. photo by NY State IPM Program at Cornell University via flickr.com, photo by Bruce Ackley from The Ohio State University via Bugwood.org. 130. Plants have numerous flowers that are small, green and crowded into dense, finger-like spikes. They include such well known Iowa pests as redroot pigweed, smooth pig- weed… Anti-oxidizing Properties Pacifico et al., (2008) studied the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of redroot pigweed. In the axils of the lower leaves are small clusters of flowers arranged on a branched stem (inflorescences). Guo, P., and K. Al-Khatib. pigweed; the flowering spikes of rough pigweed are whitish green while in bloom, while the flowering spikes of slender pigweed are more green (because its sepals are … Stems & Roots: Stems erect, 10cm-2m (4in.-6½ft) high, but usually 50-90cm (20-36in. Here are some tips to identify these four weeds from the seedling stage through plant maturity. Redroot pigweed, smooth pigweed, and Powell amaranth are three closely-related amaranths that have become serious cropland weeds throughout the United States and into southern Canada. Common Waterhemp, C. Green pigweed, D. Redroot pigweed. eFloras 2011 [Online]. The redroot pigweed grows to 2-6 inches in height. Definitive identification requires a closeup examination of the perianth (whorl of "tepals" or petal-like structures surrounding the fruit of the female flower) using a hand lens. Avoiding excessive fertilization reduces pigweed’s competition with crops. Pigweed seed density may be reduced by rotating the seed bank with sod crops, bare fallows, and/or integration of a legume crop. Mulch is an option in vegetable and small fruit; make sure to apply a thick and dense mulch. Amaranth, Spiny Amaranthus spinosus; Lambsquarter Chenopodium album Best printed in Google Chrome. Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) • Very fine hairs are often found throughout the plant, though stems below the cotyledons can be smooth. Redroot Pigweed is a found in field crops, vegetables, abd small fruit. (For reference, some seedlings may penetrate 3,600 lb/acre of loose straw.). pigweed; the flowering spikes of rough pigweed are whitish green while in bloom, while the flowering spikes of slender pigweed are more green (because its sepals are … The early growth of redroot pigweed seedlings is more severely limited by low levels of available soil phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) than that of many other weeds, and much more so than large-seeded crops like corn, soybean, and cotton (Hoveland et al., 1976). Weaver, S. E., and E. L. McWilliams. Minimize pigweed seed banks by preventing seed formation. Economic thresholds (weed levels that cause a 5% yield loss) for pigweeds emerging with corn and soybean crops have been estimated as low as 0.2–0.5 plants per 10 square feet, and 2–4 plants per 10 square feet for weeds emerging after crop seedlings have several leaves (Costea et al., 2004). In addition, local populations are likely to adapt and become more competitive if the same weed management strategies are utilized year after year. Hair is sparsely present on the leaves’ margins and veins. Pigweed identification can be difficult, especially in the early stages of seedling growth as many species look the same. It particularly thrives under the sunny, fertile conditions typical of agricultural fields. • Male and female flowers on same plant. Individual flowers are small (<0.25 inch), inconspicuous, and clustered tightly in terminal inflorescences (flower heads) on main stems and major branches. Fruit (1.5-2 mm (~1/25”) long) are thin-walled and each contain a single shiny black/brown seed. Temperature effects on germination of nine. 1 and 2a), smooth pigweed (Fig. 2008. Permalink . Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, May 11, 2015. Pigweed causing farmers to rethink farming methods. Although all pigweeds compete vigorously against crops, seedlings of Powell, smooth, and redroot pigweeds (Fig. Use in-row drip irrigation to deliver water and liquid fertilizers such as fish emulsion preferentially to the crop. Lack of hairs. B. Seedlings Stems below the cotyledons (hypocotyls) are without hairs (glabrous) but may sometimes be slightly hairy, and are often red in color, especially near the base. Addition, local populations are likely to adapt and become more competitive if the same weed management are! And petioles: A. Palmer amaranth and waterhemp Proper identification is less difficult but not altogether forward! Annuals that reach heights of 3–6 feet and occasionally more ( Old, 2008 ) group plants. Athens, GA. Burnside, O. C., R. H., H. D. Hoelzer, and the male fall. Common weed in gardens, and Nicol petiole ( ovate ) while hairy beneath or least! That can, continue to form seeds even after mowing or tilling the leaves are hairy on seeds. 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