The Department of Agriculture this week released a one-page update on its efforts at eradicating Kudzu, an invasive species, in 17 counties across the Commonwealth.

Kudzu became a PA Noxious Weed in 1989. Current sites are most often roadside banks, forest-edges, quarries, slag mine deposits, homeowner property boundaries and rarely open space locations such as pipelines.

As of October 2007, 121 properties consisting of 80 spatially distinct populations of kudzu are known in Pennsylvania.

Due to the complexity of control options and the expansiveness of kudzu growth, most property owners are not equipped to manage kudzu eradication without technical assistance.

The Department of Agriculture began assisting property owners in 2000 and these efforts have evolved into the statewide Pilot Kudzu Eradication Program.

Thirty-four spatially distinct populations in 13 counties are now enrolled in the eradication program.

For more information, visit Agriculture’s Weed Program webpage.

Link: DCNR Invasive Exotic Plant Website

Governor’s Invasive Species Council

11/30/2007