Field Facts: Common Ragweed
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Common ragweed is a summer annual weed that is found in corn and soybean fields across the Midwest. While it’s less problematic than its cousin giant ragweed, common ragweed is capable of significantly reducing soybean yield.
- Common names: Common ragweed, annual ragweed, low ragweed
- Scientific name: Ambrosia artemisiifolia
- Cotyledons: Oval-shaped
- Leaf shape: Lobed with hairs
- Stems: Branched with hairs
- Flowers: Located on terminal branches
- Reproduction: Seeds
Fast facts
- Native to North America, common ragweed is a summer annual weed that emerges and germinates in spring.1
- The weed produces a prolific amount of pollen, which causes seasonal allergies in people sensitive to the irritant.
- One common ragweed plant can create 32,000 to 62,000 seeds1
- Common ragweed stems typically grow 1 to 4 feet tall.
- The species is less detrimental to corn yield than soybean yield. It’s capable of reducing soybean yield by about 10% with densities of four common ragweed plants per 30 foot of row.1
- According to the International Herbicide-resistant Weed Database, populations of herbicide-resistant common ragweed have been reported in 21 states.
Control tips
- A herbicide program approach that includes multiple passes, several modes of action and residual activity is good for controlling common ragweed in both corn and soybeans.
- In corn, a good preemergence choice is Resicore® herbicide followed by a timely postemergence application of Realm® Q herbicide.
- In soybeans, a good option for a preemergence is Sonic® herbicide. For Enlist E3® soybeans, applying Sonic preemergence followed by Enlist One® herbicide or Enlist Duo® herbicide postemergence works well against common ragweed.
- Tillage, where possible, can help control common ragweed. Dark tillage can reduce populations by up to 45%.2
- Because common ragweed tends to emerge early in the season, performing tillage in the spring and planting later can help prevent yield loss.2
- Rotary hoeing is effective at controlling common ragweed when plants are less than ¼ inch tall.2
1United Soybean Board. 2021. Common ragweed. https://iwilltakeaction.com/weed/common-ragweed.
2Michigan State University. 2021. Common ragweed. https://www.canr.msu.edu/weeds/extension/common-ragweed
The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3® soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience LLC and MS Technologies, L.L.C. Enlist Duo® and Enlist One® herbicides are not registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your area. Enlist Duo and Enlist One herbicides are the only 2,4-D products authorized for use with Enlist™ crops. Consult Enlist herbicide labels for weed species controlled. Sonic®, Realm® Q and Resicore® are not registered for sale or use in all states. Resicore is not available for sale, distribution or use in Nassau and Suffolk counties in the state of New York. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. Always read and follow label directions.