Secrets of Amaranth Weeds Unlocked Through Genomic Research

By Andi Anderson

Weeds like Palmer amaranth pose a major challenge for farmers, reducing crop yields and increasing management costs.

Scientists from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and collaborating institutions have now mapped the complete chromosome-level genomes of three Amaranthus species—Palmer amaranth, smooth pigweed, and redroot pigweed. This breakthrough could help develop better weed control strategies.

A key discovery in this research is the role of cytochrome P450 genes in herbicide resistance. These genes help weeds detoxify herbicides before they take effect, making control measures less effective.

By identifying these genes, researchers can determine which herbicides are detoxified by similar resistance mechanisms, allowing for better herbicide selection and management.

Palmer amaranth has been a major concern due to its glyphosate resistance. The study found that this resistance originates from a unique circular DNA structure that has spread globally. This genetic adaptation has enabled the weed to withstand glyphosate, one of the most commonly used herbicides.

In addition, scientists investigated genes related to sex determination in Palmer amaranth. Their goal is to develop a gene drive that would result in only male plants, eventually leading to population decline.

Researchers identified two key genes on chromosome 3 responsible for maleness, marking an important step toward controlling the weed's spread.

This study is the first major publication from the International Weed Genomics Consortium, an organization that provides freely available reference genomes to accelerate weed research.

With these resources, scientists can explore herbicide resistance mechanisms more efficiently and develop new strategies to protect crops.

The findings from this research could lead to better weed control solutions, helping farmers manage herbicide-resistant weeds more effectively.

As scientists continue to study these genomes, new insights and solutions will emerge, offering hope for improved crop protection.

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