Many growers are re-thinking previous weed control strategies, both in terms of herbicide selection and application timing. These changes have been driven by a significant increase in several weed species and the gaining popularity of reduced tillage for peanut production. One of the most noticeable changes in the past couple years has been the steady increase, both in geographic distribution and infestation levels, of tropic croton and eclipta. Tropic croton is increasing throughout the peanut region of Georgia while the spread and increase in eclipta appears to be restricted to counties in the southwest region.
Tropic croton is an annual species and can be found throughout the southeastern United States.
It is an erect growing plant, but branches freely as it matures, producing a roundish, bushy appearance. The seedling stage of this species is difficult to separate from prickly sida, redweed and copperleaf. Tropic croton has round cotyledonary leaves and a slightly serrated first true leaf. Unlike sida, the serrations are present along the entire margin, from the tip to the petiole attachment. The stems are covered with numerous orange-colored hairs, giving the plant an orangish cast.