The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) is urging farmers to inspect their fields for tropical spiderwort, an invasive weed. Recently discovered in eastern North Carolina, this plant is considered one of the world’s most troublesome by the USDA.
In late June, tropical spiderwort was identified in a cotton field in Craven County along the Neuse River. Efforts are being made to eradicate it. While it is more likely to be found in eastern parts of the state, there is potential for it to spread statewide. This species threatens over 20 economically important crops such as soybeans and cotton.
Known also as Benghal dayflower, tropical spiderwort was first detected in Florida in 1928 and has since spread to several states including Alabama, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Although sporadic infestations have occurred in North Carolina before, previous eradication efforts have been effective.
“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.
Identification can be challenging due to its resemblance to native dayflower species commonly found in North Carolina. It can be identified by red hairs on leaf sheaths and underground flower structures. The leaves are less than twice as long as they are wide with an egg-shaped appearance compared to similar plants like Asiatic dayflower which has longer tapered leaves.
Tropical spiderwort may enter fields through floodwaters or contaminated equipment from infested areas. It thrives best under full sun with moist fertile soil conditions.
“Farmers are our first line of defense against tropical spiderwort,” Foote emphasized. “We need their help to detect and eliminate new infestations before they become established.”
If farmers suspect tropical spiderwort presence in their fields, they should contact local county extension offices for assistance: www.ces.ncsu.edu.
