The Kudzu Invasion: A Cancer to Goa's Native Flora

 

Plants can eat things – large things! Well – figuratively anyway. One of the hungriest plants in the United States which is now made its entry in Goa.

Introduction

Goa, with its lush greenery and diverse ecosystems, is facing an ecological threat from an unlikely invader: the kudzu plant. Originally from East Asia, this fast-growing vine has found its way to the Indian subcontinent, including Goa, where it poses a significant threat to the native flora. Kudzu, known for its rapid growth and aggressive nature, is outcompeting local plants and trees, disrupting ecosystems, and altering landscapes.

 

The Kudzu Plant: An Overview

Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) is a perennial vine native to Japan and southeast China. It was introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States and India, primarily for erosion control and as a fodder crop. Kudzu is a botanical. In Japan its used in traditional medicine to treat alcoholism, cardiovascular disease, menopausal symptoms, diabetes, fever, the common cold, and neck or eye pain. There are several species of kudzu and both the flowers and root extract are used for their medicinal properties

Kudzu has also been used for centuries in East Asia as folk medicine using herbal teas and tinctures. In Japan kudzu powder is used  to make an herbal tea called kuzuyu. Its root is eaten like other root vegetables, like potatoes. The plant leaves, vine tips, and purple flower blossoms are also edible. Thus Japan is somehow managing Kuzu well.

However, kudzu's ability to grow up to a foot per day under ideal conditions has turned it into an invasive species in many regions in the world, especially the U.S.A

 

Kudzu in Goa

In day light if one would take a drive in Goa, in every 500 meters or less one would see kudzo covered ghost-look trees, plants and electric poles. The tropical climate of Goa, with its warm temperatures and high humidity, provides an ideal environment for kudzu to thrive. Once established, kudzu spreads rapidly, covering large areas and climbing over trees, shrubs, and structures. This vigorous growth smothers native plants, depriving them of sunlight, and ultimately killing them and above all - leading to their decline.

 

The Impact on Native Flora

1.Competition for Resources: Kudzu competes with native plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients. Its dense foliage creates a thick canopy that blocks sunlight from reaching the native plants, hindering the growth of native species.

2.Smothering Native Trees: Kudzu's vines can climb and envelop trees, leading to a phenomenon known as "tree death by kudzu" . A tree completely covered by kudzu does make it look eerie. The vines cover the trees' leaves, preventing photosynthesis and eventually causing the trees to die.

3.Biodiversity Loss: The aggressive spread of kudzu reduces biodiversity by outcompeting a wide range of native plants. This loss of plant diversity can have dangerous effects on the entire ecosystem, including the animals that depend on native plants for food and habitat.

4.Soil Health: Kudzu can alter soil chemistry and structure, affecting the microorganisms and invertebrates that play crucial roles in soil health. This can lead to long-term changes in soil fertility and stability.

A scary glimpse of Kudzu in the USA

In the USA the threat of Kudzu has gone beyond repair now. Kutzu is estimated to cover 3,000,000 hectares (7,400,000 acres) of land in the southeastern United States. It’s causing major problems for farmland owners. Their trees are suffocated and killed, their buildings have collapsed, and utility poles are being destroyed by the invasive vine. Kudzu is infamously also known as "mile-a-minute" and "the vine that ate the South of USA.

Record in the U.S. has shown that economically the damage done by kudzu cost $100 million annually to lost productivity of the forestry industry, power and railroad companies, national and state parks, and agricultural land, as well as increased control and maintenance cost. Approximately $500 is paid per hectare per year by the forestry companies to control kudzu infestation; $1.5 million a year by the power companies to control kudzu's infestation and make up for power loss. 

The scariest part is, over the years kudzu in America has undergone several changes now produces overwintering stems (a process of bark thickening) ONLY on vigorous, climbing plants.

 

Battling the Kudzu Invasion

Addressing the kudzu invasion in Goa requires a multi-faceted approach involving prevention, control, and restoration efforts.

Early Detection and Rapid Response: Identifying and addressing new kudzu infestations early can prevent them from becoming unmanageable. Regular monitoring of vulnerable areas is essential.

Mechanical Control: Physical removal of kudzu vines, including digging up the roots, can be effective for small infestations. However, this method is labor-intensive and may not be feasible for larger areas.

Chemical Control: Herbicides can be sure planned on used to control kudzu, but they must be applied carefully to avoid harming native plants and the surrounding environment. Integrated pest management strategies that combine chemical and mechanical methods are often most effective.

Restoration of Native Plants: Replanting native species in areas cleared of kudzu can help restore ecosystems and prevent reinvasion. Native plants can reestablish ecological balance and support local wildlife.

 

Conclusion

Kudzo like a cancer is already at a treat to Goa. It is crucial that’s its treated without wasting any more time, at the earliest, before it’s too late. By now we have understood that its invasion is a pressing environmental issue that threatens the region's rich biodiversity and natural heritage.

Combating this invasive species requires coordinated efforts and a commitment to preserving native flora. This is not an easy short-term job. But its still not too late.

a) State level involvement and support will be required for a project as big and crucial as this.

b)  Trainings will be required to be conducted at district and local level on steps to be followed and TAT.

c)   Goa has around 334 villages and 13 municipal councils. All local panchayats and MLAs support is required. Together all need to take a plight to monitor in taking charge of their respective district, city, taluka and village in permanently uprooting this unwanted guest from our gorgeous pearl of the orient.

By understanding the hazardous impact of kudzu and implementing effective control measures, its critical to protect Goa's ecosystems and ensure the resilience of its natural landscapes for future generations.

कुडजू उखलून काडिया‌ आमचें गोंय वाचवया

Let's uproot Kudzu and save our Goa

 

. - Sharon Lasrado