Posted by happyflower on July 28, 2006, at 20:30:17
In reply to Oh GG! No biscuit!!! (nm), posted by tofuemmy on July 28, 2006, at 16:45:48
MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
For successful long term control of kudzu, the extensive root system must be destroyed. Any remaining root crowns can lead to reinfestation of an area. Mechanical methods involve cutting vines just above ground level and destroying all cut material. Close mowing every month for two growing seasons or repeated cultivation may be effective. Cut kudzu can be fed to livestock, burned or enclosed in plastic bags and sent to a landfill. If conducted in the spring, cutting must be repeated as regrowth appears to exhaust the plant's stored carbohydrate reserves. Late season cutting should be followed up with immediate application of a systemic herbicide (e.g., glyphosate) to cut stems, to encourage transport of the herbicide into the root system. Repeated applications of several soil-active herbicides have been used effectively on large infestations in forestry situations. Efforts are being organized by the U.S. Forest Service to begin a search for biological control agents for kudzu.
Control of well established kudzu stands can take up to 10 years. Persistent eradication of all root material is the key to the control of this pest, keeping in mind that a single kudzu patch may extend past landowner boundaries. The most effective method of control will depend on several factors: size of infested area, proximity to sensitive species or other desirable vegetation, and accessibility of the patch. Small patches of kudzu that are not well established (usually ones less that ten years old) can be eliminated by persistent weeding, mowing, or grazing during the growing season over a period of three to four years. Unfortunately, with root systems that can be up to 12 feet deep, eradication by direct root removal is not practical.
Long-term treatment of heavily infested sites usually requires the application of herbicides over a period of up to five years to inhibit the growth of new shoots. Biodegradable glyphosate herbicides are recommended for control of kudzu in natural areas. Because glyphosate is a systemic, nonselective herbicide that affects all green vegetation, treatments should be carefully timed and applied by trained applicators. The best time for application of these herbicides is at the end of the growing season when the plants are actively transporting nutrients from the leaves and stems to root systems. When applied at the proper time, herbicides are transported to the roots where they kill the entire plant.In some areas, prescribed burning may be used as a follow-up treatment after herbicide application. Although it should be carefully and professionally handled, this two step process is effective in clearing out leaf litter and speeding re colonization of an area by desirable native plant species.
Consult with an agricultural extension agent or a natural resource specialist for assistance in designing and implementing a kudzu control program.
poster:happyflower
thread:671200
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20060728/msgs/671571.html