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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Biological Control of Pests Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #324142
Title: Rapid kudzu eradication and switchgrass establishment though herbicide, bioherbicide and integrated programs

Author
item Weaver, Mark
item Boyette, Clyde
item Hoagland, Robert

Submitted to: Biocontrol Science and Technology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/6/2016
Publication Date: 3/16/2016
Citation: Weaver, M.A., Boyette, C.D., Hoagland, R.E. 2016. Rapid kudzu eradication and switchgrass establishment though herbicide, bioherbicide and integrated programs. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 26:640-650.

Interpretive Summary: Among the most important and visible weeds in the Southeatern U.S. is the exotic invasive vine, kudzu. Efforts to eradicate it typically involve many years of application of restricted-use pesticides. Recent availability of effective, non-restricted use pesticides and developments with the application of a bioherbicide has made possible new control programs for kudzu management. We present here our observations that localized kudzu eradication may be possible after just one year of treatment activities. Additionally, programs were developed that eradicated kudzu while simultaneously establishing native vegetation. One of these successful programs integrated bioherbicide application, mechanical removal of kudzu biomass and planting switchgrass in an entirely herbicide-free system.

Technical Abstract: Among the most important and visible weeds in the Southeatern U.S. is the exotic invasive vine, kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata). Efforts to eradicate it typically involve many years of application of restricted-use pesticides. Recent availability of effective, non-restricted use pesticides and developments with the application of the bioherbicide Myrothecium verrucaria has made possible new control programs for kudzu management. Field trials at three sites over two years with aminocyclopyrachlor, aminopyralid, fluroxypyr, metsulfuron methyl and combinations of these herbicides achieved 99 to 100% reduction in aboveground kudzu biomass. Additionally, programs were developed that eradicated kudzu while simultaneously establishing native vegetation. One of these successful programs integrated bioherbicide application, mechanical removal of kudzu biomass and planting switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in an entirely herbicide-free system. These field tests demonstrate a variety of methods that can be used independently or in an integrated approach for rapid kudzu eradication.