what is the biggest threat of cogongrass

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Why is cogongrass 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.

What kind of damage does Cogon grass do?

Cogongrass is considered one of the worst invasive species in the world, causing both economic and ecological damages that impact forestry, agriculture, rangeland, and natural ecosystems.

How does cogongrass affect the environment?

In observational studies in forest systems, cogongrass invasion has been correlated with significant reductions in light levels, decreased native plant diversity, and reduced productivity and growth of native pine seedlings (Brewer, 2008, Daneshgar et al., 2008).

What 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.

What is the disadvantages of cogon grass?

Cogon grass infestations damage crops through competition, causing suppressed growth, reduced yields, and delayed harvests. In addition to being highly competitive, the rhizomes of cogon grass may physically injure other plants and appear to be allelopathic in certain situations (Brook, 1989; Bryson and Carter, 1993).

Is cogongrass an invasive species?

Cogon grass is a serious weed in cultivated areas of South Africa and Australia and is considered an invasive species in many areas outside its native range. Some cultivars are grown as ornamentals, and the plant is commonly used for erosion control.

What characteristics of cogongrass might allow it to have such strong impacts on native plants communities?

Cogongrass forms dense, persistent and expanding stands that displace other vegetation. Its abundant biomass kills competing native plants and changes the properties of litter and upper soil layers.

Can animals eat cogon grass?

“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. They won't feed on it unless there's nothing else.”

What is cogon grass in the Philippines?

COGON grass (Imperata cylindrica), “talahib” in Tagalog and “palat” in Kapampangan is a ubiquitous part of Philippine landscape. This grass with hard stalks and saw-toothed leaves rapidly invades any piece of land. It is a stubborn grass and very difficult to get rid of. Cogon grass is an invasive species.

Can goats eat cogongrass?

“Even goats won't eat cogongrass,” says Browning. Cogongrass can have a negative impact on numerous wildlife species, because the insects and other food sources they rely on simply cannot survive in cogongrass, and the grass is so thick it's unsuitable for nesting. “It's virtually a biological dessert.

How do you get rid of cogongrass?

Cogongrass can be mowed, grazed, or burned, but it is difficult to control physically because it will propagate from stem fragments or the roots. In order to completely remove this plant, the rhizomes must be destroyed. Deep plowing may be effective in the removal of cogongrass if the plow reaches up to 6 inches deep.

What herbicide kills cogongrass?

Cogongrass in small (less than 20 foot diameter) patches can be treated with a glyphosate solution in early fall (August through October).