“Super weed” found in three more North Dakota counties

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — An invasive and destructive weed species threatening North Dakota agriculture has been found in three more counties. Officials say the so-called “super weed,” also known as Palmer amaranth, has been found in a total of 19 counties in North Dakota since it was first identified in the state four years ago. Experts say the weed can grow as tall as seven feet, resist many herbicides, produce hundreds of thousands of seeds and become strong enough to stop farm machinery. Research shows a heavy infestation can cut soybean yields by as much as 79% and corn yields by up to 91%.