First Report of Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats. in Cotton, Maize and Sorghum in Greece and Problems with Its Management

Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats., or commonly Palmer amaranth, is an invasive plant species that has invaded many countries worldwide and causes significant yield losses to annual spring crops. Palmer amaranth biotypes were detected in maize and sorghum fields in Western Greece and cotton fields in Central Greece in 2020. The infestations were recorded both inside the crops and in the margins of the fields, indicating that Palmer amaranth could be characterized as an invasive weed for these regions and, thus, must be urgently managed. Four biotypes were screened for resistance to 2,4-D and nicosulfuron by using NDVI, canopy cover, photochemical efficiency, plant height and fresh weight values. All biotypes showed resistance to nicosulfuron. Resistance cases to important herbicides (i.e., ALS and synthetic auxins) in spring crops, such as maize and cotton, indicate that management could become even more challenging if farmers do not adopt integrated strategies and tools to manage this weed. The eradication of Palmer amaranth plants is imperative, since it has yet to be dispersed in several agricultural areas of Greece. Palmer amaranth is recommended to be enlisted as quarantine pest for regulation in Greece.

Automated summary

Palmer amaranth, an invasive plant species, poses a significant threat to agriculture in Greece and requires urgent management. Multiple biotypes show resistance to herbicides, indicating the need for farmers to adopt integrated strategies and tools for weed control.