Posted by David Hamilton on January 12th, 2010

This month’s National Geographic has a brief mention of a new approach to managing Kudzu, the so-called “vine that ate the south.”  Among the top five  invasive species in Virginia, Kudzu was introduced intentionally in the 1930’s, from Asia, as a natural erosion control measure.   After realizing the plant’s invasive quality (it currently devours about 150,000 acres per year), intentional introduction ceased, but the plant now covers an estimated 7 to 8 milllion acres of these United States.

Bundoran Farm has relatively modest Kudzu, compared with nearby rail and utility corridors, localized to three areas outside the main pastures, around Tom and Long Arm Mountains.  Over the past three years, we have experimented with non-herbicidal methods (one hard-working goat, some bulldozing, and a flash-grazing of forty cows where they can access the surprisingly nutritous vine), as well as traditional cut-and-spray methods, and we are more or less fighting to a standstill.  since Kudzu competes for our resources with other invasive species (Ailanthus, Stilt Grass and others, in our neighborhood).

The new approach comes from the USDA, which has sponsored research for an effective control regimen that moderates herbicide use.  Scientists have studied a fungus: Myrothecium verrucaria, which apparently secretes kudzu kryptonite.  As with any biological control, extensive testing is required to ensure the medicine isn’t worse than the disease (check out ”Cane Toads” for a slightly hilarious worst-case).  As Bundoran Farm updates its Natural Resource Management Plan, we attempt to follow developments like these to continually protect and enhance the farm’s biodiversity.

Filed under: General