As the field season winds down, controlling kudzu (Pueraria montana) has been near the top of our list. Collaborating with the NYSDEC Kudzu Control Program, Melody and I have visited nearly all of our assigned sites and have learned a lot about management and coordination in the process.
On sites with small infestations, we have used the recommended “surgical root crown removal” method to target individual plants. At every node along the plant’s running stem, or stolon, a new root crown may form. At these root crowns, the plant anchors to the ground, transfers nutrients, and develops large tubers for overwinter storage. Getting the upper part of this structure, the crown, is key, as many stems can emerge from one crown. Sometimes finding the crown means climbing up steep hillsides, through thorn bushes, and around poison ivy– but we get the job done!
We would like to thank the Kudzu Control team, who work hard to not only control this invasive plant, but also maintain maps, organize data, contact landowners, and manage permits to make the whole operation run smoothly.
