Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1462181
WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 25 FOR OPTIMAL POTATO GROWTH, TIMING IS EVERYTHING. Our superior potato portfolio features reliable, high-quality products with active ingredients proven to help deliver peace of mind and consistent protection against yield-robbing pests and weeds. To learn more, visit www.RotamNorthAmerica.com/portfolio/potato or contact us at (866) 927-6826 Special Terms and Conditions This reference guide is not intended as a substitute for the product label for the product(s) referenced herein. Always read and follow label directions and precautions for use. © Copyright 2022 Rotam North America, Inc. All rights reserved. 4096-26RotamNorthAmerica12h.indd 1 4096-26RotamNorthAmerica12h.indd 1 11/30/21 2:28 PM 11/30/21 2:28 PM will fare in the future, Kezar set up an experiment under highly controlled conditions. She tested growth at four different temperatures, which ranged up to daily high temperatures of 104 degrees. Kezar also varied how much water the weed received, to simulate wetter and drier conditions. "Palmer amaranth growth was affected by elevated temperature and moisture stress conditions in terms of magnitude, but this weed was still able to grow," says Kezar. "The fact that Palmer amaranth … maintained adequate growth under high temperature and moisture stress shows that Palmer amaranth can still remain highly competitive by exhausting soil water and nutrients available to crops to impact yield." Palmer amaranth has an advantage growing under these conditions: the weed has a highly efficient metabolism, like corn and sorghum. These types of plants are better at capturing energy from the sun (photosynthesis) under hot weather. Most crops don't have this prodigious ability. The scientists saw evidence of the weed's special abilities in their experiments. "We did see that Palmer amaranth actually had an increase in photosynthetic capabilities," says Kezar. Research like this can help farmers and scientists plan for the future. By knowing which weeds will outperform crops, we can better prepare systems in place to keep them at bay. "Developing improved management practices is important for effective control of this species in the face of climate change," says Kezar. "When we think about climate change impacts on the future of agriculture, we need to keep weed responses in the conversation." This research was supported by The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Fellowship and Cotton Incorporate. PG Comparison of Palmer amaranth leaves from no temperature and moisture stress (left) to increasing temperature and moisture stress (left to right). Photo courtesy Sarah Kezar