How is cogongrass harmful?

Cogon grass infestations can reduce pine survival and growth, and in fire situations, may result in complete mortality of overstory trees due to flammable oils in the grass blades raising the intensity and severity of prescribed burns.

Where did the cogongrass come from?

Native to Southeast Asia, cogongrass was accidentally introduced into the United States as packing material in an orange crate that arrived in Grand Bay, Alabama, in 1912. A few years later, it was intentionally planted as a potential forage crop in Mississippi and as a soil stabilizer in Florida.

What is conga grass?

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.), is a very aggressive exotic perennial grass that entered Alabama in 1911 in packing material from Japan. It is on the Federal list of noxious weeds and is designated as the world’s seventh worst weed. Dense stands of cogongrass can also destroy wildlife habitat.

Why is cogon grass a problem?

Cogongrass fires are hotter, faster and higher than native grass fires. These factors can spell trouble for people and structures near large infestations. Cogongrass not only replaces native plants, on which wildlife feed, it also has very high silica content, and therefore is unpalatable to native wildlife.

How does torpedo grass spread?

Torpedograss weeds spread by their numerous seed but also from even tiny fragments of rhizome. The first step in any weed control is to correctly identify it. Torpedograss is a perennial that can grow up to 2.5 feet (0.7 m.) in height.

Who eats Cogon grass?

Researchers have found a midge from Indonesia that attacks cogongrass. GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A few bugs may be able to chew up some cogongrass, a noxious weed that elbows out pasture grass, golf course greens and valuable ecosystems, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researcher says.

Where is Cogon grass native to?

East Africa
Cogon grass is native to East Africa and Asia. It was introduced accidentally as packing material (like Japanese stiltgrass) and in the ballast water of ships and was first found in Grand Bay, Alabama in 1912.

Do cows eat cogongrass?

“Cattle will eat cogongrass when the plant is young,” says Rick Williams, Extension Forestry Specialist, West Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida. “But as it matures, the plant has silica on the edges and will cut cows’ mouths. Cogongrass spreads primarily from rhizomes and rhizome fragments.

Why is torpedo grass bad?

Torpedograss is a scourge in area lawns, flowerbeds and landscapes. Even if introduced into a small area, this weed can rapidly spread to become a major problem. The rhizomes can travel a foot or more deep, and the hard points are able to punch through landscape fabric and weed barriers.

Can Torpedo grass be killed?

Augustine lawns severely infested with torpedograss or common Bermuda may need total renovation. This requires spraying the lawn area with a high concentration of glyphosate, with the goal of killing off everything and starting over with a new lawn. Sometimes it takes two applications to get torpedograss killed off.