Integrated pest management strategies must be developed to control these weeds. One reason that exotic weeds are so successful is that they invaded this country without the hindrance of natural enemies. In most cases, they are much less invasive in the country of origin, where regulating agents evolved to keep weed populations in check. Importation of biocontrol agents to regulate exotic weeds is often the best long-term solution to reducing their impact on our native ecosystems. However, the hazard from such introductions must be minimized through intensive study of the life history and host range of potential biocontrol agents prior to their release.
Information is needed to develop control measures for non-native, invasive species.
It was widely planted as an ornamental, and for erosion control. The invasive nature of this pest was not recognized until the 1950s. Today, kudzu covers about 7 million acres in the southern United States, yet in its native China, kudzu is not a pest. A systematic survey for kudzu biocontrol agents was initiated in May 1999. Four survey sites were selected with climatic characteristics similar to the southeastern United States.