ST. LAWRENCE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
It is estimated that 2 million acres of forests in the southern United States are covered with kudzu! Pueraria lobata is a climbing perennial vine was brought to the US to be used as an ornamental plant and as a forage crop in 1876. Many Southern farmers were encouraged to plant kudzu for erosion control from the mid-1930s to the mid-1950s. It was not until 1953 that this plant was recognized as a pest species by the US Department of Agriculture, and it is now classified as an invasive species.
Impacts
At a rate of 1 foot per day, kudzu can grow over almost anything in its path including homes, cars and road signs! It also smothers native vegetation, threatening local biodiversity.
Identification
Kudzu has the potential to reach up to 100 feet in length. The woody stems can reach a diameter of ½ to 4 inches. Leaflets are 3 lobed, broad and are arranged alternately. In addition, leaflets may have hairy margins. The purple flowers are ½ inch long and found in hanging clusters. Flowering occurs in late summer, followed by the production of brown, hairy, flattened, seed pods that contain three to ten seeds.
Control and Management
Prevention: Prevention of the sale and transport of Kudzu is the most cost-effective means of management.
The total eradication of kudzu is necessary to prevent re-growth. This requires continuous monitoring and thoroughness when treating. To prevent reestablishment, replanting after treatment is critical. It is important to prevent the production of viable seed and to destroy the plant’s ability to reproduce vegetatively.
A chemical herbicide, a 5% solution of Glyphosate, can be effective for small infestations such as stands growing up fences or poles. Reapplication is necessary.
For more information visit:
http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/354
Photo credits: Title photo by Kerry Britton, USDA Forest Service. Identification photos by James H. Miller & Ted Bodner – Organization: Southern Weed Science Society.
PREVENTION
Prevent the introduction of invasive species into the SLELO PRISM.
EARLY DETECTION & RAPID RESPONSE
Rapidly detect new and recent invaders and eliminate all individuals within a specific area.
COOPERATION
Share resources, including funding personnel, equipment, information, and expertise.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Collect, utilize, and share information regarding surveys, infestations, control methods, monitoring, and research.
CONTROL
Control invasive species infestations by using best management practices, methods and techniques to include: ERADICATION (which is to eliminate all individuals and the seed bank from an area), CONTAINMENT (which is reducing the spread of established infestations from entering an uninfested area) and SUPPRESSION which is to reduce the density but not necessarily the total infested area.
RESTORATION
Develop and implement effective restoration methods for areas that have been degraded by invasive species and where suppression or control has taken place.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Increase public awareness and understanding of invasive species.
INNOVATION
Develop and implement innovative technologies that help us to better understand, visualize, alleviate or manage invasive species and their impacts or that serve to strengthen ecosystem function and/or processes.
Rob Williams
PRISM Coordinator
Megan Pistolese
Outreach and Education
Brittney Rogers
Aquatic Invasive Species
Robert Smith
Terrestrial Invasive Species