Troublesome Weeds on the Horizon in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota officials are keeping an eye on two potentially troublesome weeds as they take public comments on whether to amend the list of the state's most problematic plants.

Palmer amaranth is strong enough to stop combines. It was confirmed in South Dakota for the first time last year. To the east, Japanese knotweed is an issue in Minnesota.

North Dakota Agriculture Department Noxious Weeds Specialist Chelsey Penuel says those weeds are "on our horizon."

The department is holding a public hearing Thursday on the state's list of noxious weeds, which are required by law to be controlled. There are 11 of them currently listed.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring says state law requires a public review of the list every five years. The last review was in January 2010.