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Kudzu: “The vine that ate the South” By Trip Wray
Presentation Outline
Basic Overview of Plant History of Plant’s Use Three Parts of the Kudzu Vine that I find
really interesting: 1. Paraheliotropic Movement of Leaves 2. Reproduction 3. Control Mechanisms
Basic Overview of Kudzu
Latin name: Pueraria montana Plant Family: Fabaceae Origin: China Can Grow 60 ft per year Roots: tuberous, reach
soil depth of 3-9 ft Leaves: Trifoliate Flower: Purple Seeds: Three per fruit
Uses in China
Fiber for Clothes (leaves)
Medicinal Uses (roots)
Livestock Feed (leaves)
Alcohol Brewing
Soil Erosion Management
Original Use in the United States
Came to the United States in 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition
Admired for Aesthetic qualities
Used as ornamental piece
Developing Role in the United States
Became important device for preventing soil erosion between 1930-1940
However, it grew out of control. In 1950, it was banned as a preventative for soil erosion.
By 1970, Kudzu was officially listed as a weed.
By 1997, it was placed on Invasive and Noxious Weed List
Paraheliotropic Movement in Leaves
Leaves move parallel to the sun’s position.
Allows the leaves to: Not absorb sunrays that
they can’t photosynthesize
Not overheat. Its leaves are 5-6°C cooler than leaves that do not practice paraheliotropism.
Reduce water loss by 26% (Foresth and Innis 2004).
Provide sunlight to second layer leaves.
Reproduction without Seed Germination
Ability to root wherever stems hit the surface After short time period (~3 years), newly formed
kudzu plant breaks away, forming independent plant.
Without this adaptation, kudzu would depend on seed germination
Their seeds require seed scarification (mechanically broken down by hand, fire, or acid)
Seed Germination success rate 7-17% (Foresth and Innis 2004).
Regulating the Growth of the Kudzu Vine
The United States lacks adequate amount of natural, kudzu predators and pathogens.
Scientists are testing new herbicides, insects, and even GOATS!
None have been successful in the long term, however.
Problem is that the United States has to be careful of not introducing a new predator that would damage ecosystems even more.
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