Abstract Glyphosate-resistant palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri, a difficult to control weed with aggressive growth, capable of causing large yield losses in annual crops, was identified in Brazil, in the state of Mato Grosso, in 2015. After notification, an epidemiological survey was carried out to identify the place of entry and area of dispersion. Containment and eradication measures were quickly established by state and federal phytosanitary authorities through legislative measures. After identification, it was classified as a quarantine weed under official control. The Palmer amaranth Containment and Eradication Committee was established in order to support the phytosanitary defense agencies in the actions to combat the weed. State agricultural inspectors were trained to identify the species and survey the State. Actions aimed at the farmers were also carried out, highlighting the importance of identification, control and awareness. The weed was found in six municipalities in 10 farms in Mato Grosso. The importation of a used cotton harvester from the United States of America and its internal transit were found to be the main route of entry and spread of the weed. The weed spread to the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, in 2022 and was detected in two municipalities and six properties. A detailed survey is on progress. It is necessary to understand movement routes and establish measures to contain it. Effective measures regarding the importation and cleaning of used machinery needs to be adopted to avoid weed seed dispersal, and Federal legislation is needed to contain and eradicate the weed.

Abstract Background Amaranthus palmeri is an economically important plant species worldwide. The rapid growth and competitive potential of crops make A. palmeri a major problem. Studies on the dissemination potential of this weed in Brazil and worldwide are necessary to identify the regions with high climatic potential. Similarly, we analyzed the behavior of the species in the face of predicted climate change. Studies of this type can be performed using ecological niche modeling. Objective This work aimed to determine areas with climatic suitability for A. palmeri in the present and future climates in Brazil and globally. Methods We projected the potential distribution of A. palmeri based on the environmental requirements and stress parameters that limit this species in Brazil. Results For the current climate, our model identified regions with favorable climatic suitability for A. palmeri on most continents. The results showed that the suitability of A. palmeri in the Brazilian territory will decrease owing to predicted climate change. The future model highlighted decreases in the suitable northern, northeastern, and midwestern areas. An annual study of the occurrence of A. palmeri using the weekly growth index predicted by the model showed great potential for the species throughout the year, with a decrease in the driest months (July to August), indicating the preference of the species for moist soils. Tropical and subtropical zones are currently experiencing a reduction in suitable areas because of climate change in northeastern Brazil and western Australia. Temperate zone sites have potential areas of expansion for A. palmeri (northern USA, Russia, and China) under climate change. Conclusions Based on the results of this study, management strategies should be planned to contain the global spread of A. palmeri.