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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Biological Control of Pests Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #236056
Title: Kudzu Suppression by Herbicides in Two-Year Field trials

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

Submitted to: Weed Science Society of America Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/14/2009
Publication Date: 2/9/2009
Citation: Weaver, M.A., Lyn, M.E., Boyette, C.D., Hoagland, R.E. 2009. Kudzu Suppression by Herbicides in Two-Year Field trials. Weed Science Society of America Annual Meeting. 49:37.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Herbicides are currently the principle means of halting the spread of kudzu (Pueraria montana var lobata) and reclaiming kudzu-infested lands. The efficacy of several herbicides on this invasive weed has been well-established, but these chemicals can be prohibitively expensive, come with significant use restrictions or have unacceptable non-target toxicity. The present field study evaluated amniopyralid, fluroxypyr, glyphosate, metsulfuron, and triclopyr for suppression of kudzu at 3 sites in west-central Mississippi over one or two growing seasons. Herbicides were applied to mature stands of kudzu at their maximum label rate in 61 L ha -1 total volume with 0.25% Silwet L-77 nonionic surfactant. A single application of commercial formulations of amniopyralid, fluroxypyr, metsulfuron, and triclopyr gave greater than 95% reduction in kudzu above-ground biomass 28 days after the initial application for at least one site. Glyphosate provided 70 to 80 percent suppression of kudzu 28 days after the initial application. After the second season of application 98% suppression or greater was achieved in at least one site after treatment with amniopyralid, fluroxypyr, metsulfuron, or triclopyr. Integration with mechanical, cultural or biological control tactics may be necessary to achieve eradication of kudzu because chemical control requires sustained efforts over several years.