NDSU Offers Free Kits to Fight Tough Weeds

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota farmers can now take advantage of free testing kits to identify herbicide-resistant kochia, one of the toughest weeds to manage in local crop fields. These kits are available through a partnership between North Dakota State University (NDSU), the National Agricultural Genotyping Center (NAGC), and funding support from several crop councils and grants.

Kochia is known for surviving harsh conditions and resisting many types of herbicides. In 2022, NDSU researchers and scientists at BASF discovered that this weed has developed resistance to Group 14 herbicides, which are common weed killers.

Using this discovery, NAGC created a quick DNA test that detects the resistance mutation from leaf samples.

The first 1,000 samples from North Dakota farms can be tested for free. Farmers can submit up to four samples per operation. If more samples are submitted or sent from outside North Dakota, there may be a cost. All submission details and forms are available on the NAGC website.

Testing kits can be picked up at local NDSU Extension offices or ordered online. After samples arrive at NAGC, farmers will get results in about seven days. Individual results stay private, but data is used to help monitor weed resistance at the county level.

Farmers should collect two leaves from the top of one kochia or pigweed plant. Each sample must be placed in its own bag and labeled clearly. Then, farmers mail the leaves and a submission form to the NAGC office in Fargo.

These DNA tests only detect specific mutations known to cause herbicide resistance. While they are highly accurate, not all types of resistance may be found.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr