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Title: Towards Biological Control of Kudzu Through an Improved Understanding of Insect-Kudzu Interactions

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:807773

The authors evaluated various approaches to the biological control of kudzu and exotic weed that infests the SRS. A large number of native pollinators were found to be attracted to kudzu. The viability of seed was found to be low, between 2% and 11%. This is the result of native Hemiptera. The results suggest that seed feeding insects should not be targeted for importation. Both kudzu and soybeans had the same level of abundance and diversity of herbivore insects and the same levels of defoliation. No vine or root damaging species were found. Efforts should be targeted to the latter insects to control kudzu.

Research Organization:
USDA Forest Service, Savannah River, New Ellenton, SC (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AI09-00SR22188
OSTI ID:
807773
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English