The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Plant Industry Division is encouraging farmers statewide to inspect their fields for the presence of tropical spiderwort (Commelina benghalensis). The aggressive, invasive weed is recognized by the USDA as one of the world’s most troublesome and was recently discovered in eastern North Carolina.
Late June, tropical spiderwort was found in a cotton field in Craven County along the Neuse River. Eradication efforts are underway. Although tropical spiderwort is most likely to be found in eastern North Carolina, the weed could establish in most of the state. This invasive species poses a serious threat to over 20 economically important crops, including soybeans and cotton.
Also known as Benghal dayflower, tropical spiderwort was first detected in the United States in Florida in 1928 and has since spread to Alabama, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana and Mississippi. Although sporadic infestations have been reported in North Carolina, eradication efforts to date have been effective, and officials are calling on growers to help maintain that success.
“Farmers have a unique opportunity to detect and eliminate a difficult-to-control weed before it becomes a widespread and costly issue,” said Dr. Bill Foote, director of the Plant Industry Division.
Source : ncagr.gov