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Kudzu is possibly the most invasive plant species that we have in the Southeast. It grows like wildfire taking over hillsides, trees, and most any landscape that it can get its green tendrils on. I know that you’ve seen it in our area, so let’s talk about the plant so that you can get to know it better and know what you can do to control it.

Kudzu was originally brought from Asia in 1876. There are a lot of invasive species that came over by accident, however kudzu is not one of them. It was intentionally brought over and marketed as a plant that would be highly effective for erosion control and a good forage for livestock. Both of those thoughts are true, but as time has shown kudzu is too effective at its job. It was planted by the Soil Conservation Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps. By 1900 it was being sold by mail order. The way that Kudzu has taken over the landscape here is an ever present reminder that we must be extremely careful when introducing species to a new area.

Most kudzu plants are hybrids of a couple of different species. They all come from the genus Pueraria. These species are capable of interbreeding and making hybrids. What makes kudzu such a persistent weed is the deep root system that it can develop. Kudzu that is well established can have roots that are up to nine feet deep. These deep roots give the plant an incredible ability to regenerate after being cut multiple times. Kudzu vines are capable of growing up to 60 feet in one year. All of these are why kudzu is called, “The vine that ate the south.”

The two most effective forms of control are grazing and chemical control. Goat grazing can be highly effective if you are able to have a high stocking rate. The goats will nibble off every new shoot that the plant sends up, eventually exhausting the kudzu. This may take a year or two to completely wear down the kudzu. An issue with this method is being able to find goats and then to be able to effectively fence in the goats in the area that you want them to browse. Kudzu can be a fairly good quality forage because it is part of the Fabaceae family that includes legumes such as alfalfa and clovers.

Chemical control of kudzu is also possible. Products with Glyphosate or Triclopyr are effective at controlling kudzu. There are other products available for controlling kudzu but they are very expensive or are restricted use only. Both of these products can be used as a foliar spray or using the cut stump treatment. Cut stump means cutting the plant 2 inches above the ground and then soaking the open wound with concentrated herbicide. More of the herbicide will be active in the root using this method. Repeat herbicide applications may be required to eradicate the kudzu. As always read and follow the label before using any pesticide.

If you have any questions about kudzu or other weeds and control methods for them contact your local Extension Office or send me an email at Jacob.Williams@uga.edu.

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