Allegheny County residents were asked by the Department of Agriculture this week to report any locations where Kudzu is growing under a pilot program to eradicate the invasive weed.

Introduced from Asia, Kudzu is a climbing vine identified by alternating leaves, purple flowers and fuzzy brown seed pods which appear in the fall. Kudzu was added to the state’s noxious weed list in 1989.

“Kudzu grows over and around other plants, creating a problem for property owners. The weed can also carry a destructive fungus known as Soybean Rust, which can be devastating to crops,” said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. “I urge Allegheny County residents to call the Department of Agriculture and report any findings of Kudzu so we can enhance our pilot program and aggressively treat the affected areas.”

Findings of Kudzu should be reported to the department’s toll-free hotline, 1-877-464-9333. For more information on Kudzu and other noxious weeds, visit the Animal and Plant Health webpage.

11/17/2006