HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania farmers who have a problem with pokeweed in their fields are invited to participate in a research project aimed at controlling this weed.
Penn State weed specialists are looking to the state’s farmers for fields that could serve as additional research locations for their study into the management of pokeweed. The study is currently being conducted at Penn State’s Research Farm near State College.
Growing problem
Pokeweed is an increasing problem in Pennsylvania fields and can be a tough weed to control due to its perennial life cycle and ability to regrow from a large, persistent taproot, says Penn State Weed Specialist Kelly Patches.
Pokeweed populations seem to be on the rise in recent years in Pennsylvania field crops, says Patches.
“There may be several reasons for this including the increase in reduced- and no-till production practices. The main goal of our research is to learn more about the biology of pokeweed and how it behaves so we can better time control tactics.”
Study participation
Patches and Dr. Bill Curran are investigating more efficient pokeweed management strategies through a research project supported through the soybean checkoff by the Pennsylvania Soybean Board.
Growers who have a problem with pokeweed on their farm and who are willing to work with the researchers in this important study are encouraged to contact Kelly Patches at pokeweed@psu.edu.
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We eat it down this way. Take the early leaves when it is small, boil them briefly and pour off the water. Slice the greens into strips and pan fry with a little bacon grease, onion & seasonings. Delicious. Top with some tasty vinegar to dress it like Turnip Greens & enjoy. Full of minerals. Great in the spring before anything else is ready in the garden.