Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is an invasive, non-native grass that occurs in the Southeast region of the United States. The culms (above-ground stems) are short, erect and arise from rhizomes (underground stems). It has become established in the southeastern United States within the last fifty years, with Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida having extensive acreage of roadway and pasture infested with cogongrass. Results from these practices are evident when observing cogongrass growing up to the edge of a cultivated field with no evidence of spread into the field itself. Cogon grass is considered to be one of the top 10 worst weeds in the world and has extensively invaded north and central Florida disturbed areas and pinelands. Seems we can at least redeem a little use from the weed. Perform additional tillage with a disk harrow or other appropriate implement every 6 to 8 … Cogon grass leaf blades can grow to 4 feet tall and can be easily identified by its leaf blades having a midvein noticeably off-center. With continued growth, the leafy bract like structure opens. Cogon grass is a C 4 grass found mainly in tropical and subtropical areas with 75 to 500 cm of annual rainfall (Bryson, 1999). I didn’t know this was your website. Figure-2. What is Cogongrass? Cogongrass tends to grow in thick circular patches. It can eliminate toxins. This Asian grass entered the United States through the Port of Mobile in the early 1900’s and has spread into 73 Mississippi counties. Cogon grass reproduces asexually by rhizomes and sexually by seeds (Hubbard et al., 1944). Mowing, burning or fertilization can also induce sporadic seedhead formation. For newer patches, tillage can eliminate cogongrass from an area if continued during the course of a growing season. The grass has to be dry and must have lost all its seed when it is harvested for thatching. Cogon grass can be tough to kill. SEM images show that cogon grass fibres contained abundance and long fibres which provide good strength of the produced handsheet. Kogon is an annual, erect, tufted grass, 30 to 80 centimeters high with a prominent underground stem. Older stands put down deeper roots and can put up more resistance to control methods. The use of herbicides for control of cogongrass began in the 1940s. Seeds are extremely small and attached to a plume of long hairs. Luckily, several methods have been developed to rid properties of unwanted cogongrass infestations, including herbicides and desiccating the rhizomes through deep-plowing. The aim of this work is to study the effect of cogon grass fibre (as shown in Figure 1) loading on the water absorption, swelling and water solubility properties of the thermoplastic starch. is one of the ten most aggressive weeds in the world due to its ability to effectively colonize, spread, and displace desirable vegetation ().Imperata cylindrica is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. Loving your articles and videos on youtube. Several studies having developed algorithms to detect cogongrass from other grasses in pa stures using hyperspectral data (Mathur et al., 2002 ; Huang et al., 2001 ) However, there has been no attempts to quantify cogon grass in longleaf pine savannas, which have a unique set of highly divers e species compared to savannas. The rhizomes are hard, scaly, and cream-colored with sharply pointed tips. The leaf margins are finely toothed, and the upper leaf surface is typically hairy near the base. Stems are solid, rather slender; nodes glabrous or bearded. Thank you, Amanda – that’s very good to know. Cogon Grass: Imperata cylindrica Cogon grass leaf blades can grow to 4 feet tall and can be easily identified by its leaf blades having a midvein noticeably off-center. Attempts at finding natural pests of cogongrass have met with limited success. Listed as one of the world's ten worst weeds, cogongrass is an invasive perennial grass. In central Florida, monocultures of cogongrass have become established on hundreds of acres of reclaimed phosphate mining areas. Cogongrass is a perennial grass that varies greatly in appearance. The buyer assumed that their potential property would always be plagued by an impossible-to-kill noxious grass, and eventually ruined. Because of its dense, thick growth pattern, cogon grass degrades native gopher tortoise and indigo snake habitats in Florida.Cogon grass stands can create a severe fire hazard especially when mixed in with other volatile fuels such as young pine trees. This federally regulated noxious weed grows rapidly, reducing forest productivity, harming wildlife habitat and ecosystems, and encroaching on pastures and hayfields. Later it was introduced into Florida for forage and soil stabilization. Cogon grass is globally known as a pest and one of the top ten worst weeds in the world. In these areas it was found that only very young shoots should be grazed or cut for hay. The thermal properties of the biocomposite were reduced as the cogon grass fibres increase from 0 to 5%. Cogongrass usually invades open areas like golf courses, roadsides, pastures, and natural areas where it displaces native plant species. Often these conditions promote erosion and are unacceptable. Based on the chemical and surface morphological properties analyses, cogon grass is a good alternative fibre resource especially for pulp and paper making industries. The initial tillage should begin in the spring (March through May) with an implement that inverts the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches. Native tree seedlings and grasses are pushed out disrupting the entire ecosystem of the area. This perennial grass from Southeast Asia was introduced into the U.S. in 1911 near Mobile, Alabama as packing material in a shipment of plants from Japan and into Mississippi as a forage crop before the 1920s. is a rhizomatous perennial grass that has infested ~200 million hectares of land in Asia and 500 million hectares worldwide [15]. Leaf blades erect, narrow and pubescent at base, flat and glabrous above, to 1.2 m (4 ft) tall and to 2 cm (< 1 in) wide, with whitish midvein noticeably off-center; blade margins scabrous, blade tips sharp pointed. The leaves appear light green, with older leaves becoming orange-brown in color. In term of morphological, SEM shows good fibre adhesion between CGF and TPCS. About Cogongrass. Each leaf is 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch wide with a prominent, off-center, white mid-rib. In this study, cogon grass was made as a material in paper making. Cogon grass was then found to be unsuitable for forage and its ability to rapidly spread and displace desirable vegetation outweighed any soil erosion control considerations. Based on the chemical and surface morphological properties analyses, cogon grass is a good alternative fibre resource especially for … In Florida alone, it has spread to more than a million acres. Imperata cylindrica ) is a species of perennial rhizomatous grass native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Australia, Africa, and southern Europe. Cogongrass is an invasive exotic grass found on public and private property, along roadways, in forests, and on farmland. Leaves are flat, linear-lanceolate, 20 to 50 centimeters long, and 5 to 9 millimeters wide, stiff with scabrous margins. For about four weeks following a prescribed burn, crude protein of regrowth is comparable to bahiagrass. To use as biochar, cogon grass leaves were collected from the same site at which the farm soil samples were collected. Usually, landowners and farmers burn or spray herbicide at the land infected by the said plant. In the United States, cogongrass extends as far north as South Carolina and west to Texas. The seed head is fuzzy, white, and plume-like (see images above). Today, only a few of the hundreds of herbicides tested are effective against cogongrass. Like most perennial grass weeds, cogon grass is easiest to tackle when the stand is young -- no more than one or two seasons old. It is a highly flammable fire-adapted species, and can spread rapidly by colonizing disturbed areas and encouraging more frequent wildfires. SEM images of I. cylindrica hand sheet at … Cogon Grass BY Properties in Mississippi. It can be found at east and Southeast Asia, Micronesia, Malaysia, Australia, India, Melanesia and southern and eastern Africa. In non-crop areas such as rights-of-way and fence rows, the so-called soil sterilants such as prometon (Pramitol), tebuthiuron (Spike), and imazapyr (Arsenal) will give excellent control; however, areas treated with these materials will be free of any vegetation for 6 months to a year. Seed production predominately occurs in the spring, with long, fluffy-white seedheads. Cogongrass is spreading rapidly across Alabama and the southeast, reducing forest Google Privacy Policy | Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its 2019 Agency Regulatory Plan. Cogon grass stands also represent a significant fire hazard on public conservation lands and agricultural forests. Cogongrass grows in loose to compact bunches, each ‘bunch’ containing several leaves arising from a central area along a rhizome. Rhizomes are much extended, equally noded and white. When cogongrass is present, native species die out. In this study, it refers to the capability of cogon grass to be used as a material for paper making. By E-mail Full Text Pdf Leaves: Leaf sheaths relatively short, glabrous or pubescent; ligule a membrane, 0.5-1 mm long. Imperata cylindrica is the most morphologically variable species in … Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission • Farris Bryant Building The fibre cogon grass is uniform, straight, and intact with a smooth surface. The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce has assembled a task force of scientists, educators, government officials and agricultural leaders to recommend a comprehensive survey and control program for cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) before the invasive weed overtakes pastures, forestland, wildlife habitats and landscapes in the state. Cogongrass control varies according to the age and rhizome mat density and depth. 1). It has also been introduced to Latin America, the Caribbean, and the southeastern United States. The leaf blades have a midvein which is clearly offset to one side, and serrated (toothed) edges. Cogongrass was introduced into Florida in the 1930s and 1940s as a potential forage and for soil stabilization purposes. In areas with killing frosts, the leaves will turn light brown during winter months and present a substantial fire hazard. Cogon Grass is listed as one of the 10 worst weeds in the world. ), is a very aggressive exotic perennial grass that entered Alabama in 1911 in packing material from Japan. Commonly found in humid tropics but has spread to warm temperate zones worldwide. This Asian grass entered the United States through the Port of Mobile in the early 1900’s and has spread into 73 Mississippi counties. At this stage, the leaves lack sharp points and razor-like leaf margins. Cogon grass has extensively invaded disturbed areas such as roadsides and fallow pastures throughout north and central Florida but also relatively undisturbed sandhill and pine flatwoods. Cogon Grass is listed as one of the 10 worst weeds in the world. Cogongrass grows in loose to compact bunches, each 'bunch' containing several leaves arising from a central area along a rhizome. Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.) The flowers and the roots are antibacterial, diuretic, febrifuge, sialagogue, styptic and tonic. SEM images show that cogon grass fibres contained abundance and long fibres which provide good strength of the produced handsheet. Extensive research has been conducted in Africa, southeast Asia and the United States for the control of cogongrass. Because of its rough edges and silica bodies found throughout the leaves, it is mostly unpalatable to native wildlife species. It costs millions each year to control in Florida¹. Although the seeds can be carried long distances by wind and animals, the spread of cogongrass by seed is questionable and still under investigation. Cogongrass has been used in Southeast Asia as forage because it is the dominant vegetation on over 300 million acres. Cogongrass first appeared in the area around Grand Bay, Alabama as an escape from Satsuma orange crate packing in 1912. The leaves originate directly from ground level and range from one to four feet in length. The rhizomes are tough, white, commonly 1 m long but can be considerably more, are extensively branched and … There are several layers of leafy bracts enclosing the … Reply. Cogon grass forms dense stands that displace native plant communities. Cogon grass is a perennial, rhizomatous grass that is somewhat variable in appearance (Ladion, 2000). Paper. The best time for collecting thatching grass is in winter when it is bone dry. The rhizomes of cogon grass are slender (1-1.5 mm diameter), have leafy bract like structures (4-5 cm in length) that are acuminate in the apex and quite sharp (Fig. Site Feedback. It was intentionally introduced from the Philippines into Mississippi as a possible forage in 1921. Cultivation and herbicides have been the two control strategies used most often. Cogon grass is also nutritionally very poor, only 7% crude protein. For help with controlling cogongrass on your property, learn more about the Cogongrass Control Program offered by the Mississippi Forestry Commission. Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, See a full list of our Social Media accounts, Off-center midrib on leaf blades, more apparent towards the tip of the blade. It is a serious pest throughout the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world and is ranked as the seventh most troublesome weed worldwide [16]. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. Wildlife dependant on native species can no longer survive where cogongrass has taken over. The leaves appear light green, with older leaves becoming orange-brown in color. Cylindrical in shape; 2-8 inches in length (total flower or seed head) Silvery white in color Flowers: Inflorescence a narrow, dense terminal panicle, white silky and plumelike, to 21 cm (8 in) long and 3.5 cm (1.5 in) wide. It is found on every continent, although it does not tolerate cool temperatures. Cogon grass forms dense stands resulting in the almost total displacement of native plants that are important to wildlife. The flowers are used in the treatment of haemorrhages, wounds etc. Eugene August 11, 2019 - 7:19 pm. Cogongrass thrives on fine sand to heavy clay and does well on soils of low fertility. Several broken fibre are also appear (Figure-2b) due to the pulping process and it could also reduce the quality and strength properties of hand sheet. Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica). Cogon Grass BY Properties in Mississippi April 18, 2016. It is essential to cut to a depth of at least 6 inches to ensure that most, if not all the rhizomes have been cut. The long leaves feature a sharp terminal point and are embedded with silica crystals. If you have opted for a thatch roof, it is important to ensure that you are not building near to or under any trees. Cogongrass is native to southeast Asia and infests nearly 500 million acres of plantation and agricultural land worldwide. It is on the Federal list of noxious weeds and is designated as the world’s seventh worst weed. In Florida, cogongrass infests ditch banks, pastures, road sides/right-of-ways, golf courses, and forests. Cogongrass is a perennial grass that varies greatly in appearance. Cogon grass is an invasive weed and removing it is an important option to manage it invasiveness while at the same time providing abundant and inexpensive plant material for making biochar. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. Cogongrass is an aggressive, rhizomatous, perennial grass that is distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. One of the oldest and most successful methods is to deep plow or disk several times during the dry season to desiccate the rhizomes and exhaust the food reserves. Spikelets crowded, paired on unequal stalks, with each spikelet surrounded by long white hairs. Key Identification Features of Cogongrass Flower/Seed head. 620 S. Meridian St. • Tallahassee, FL • (850) 488-4676 Burning, cultivation, cover crops, and herbicides have been used with varying degrees of effectiveness. Young infestations are usually easier to control than older well-established infestations. The nutrients in wheatgrass aid the body in getting rid of impurities and … The leaves originate directly from ground level and range from one to four feet in length. This page uses Google Analytics Reply. To eliminate cogongrass, the rhizomes must be destroyed to avoid regrowth. Copyright 1999 - 2020 State of Florida. David The Good March 27, 2018 - 4:26 pm. In areas with killing frosts, the leaves will turn light brown during winter months and present a substantial fire hazard. This grass not only competes for food and water, it wins. Fires occurring in cogon grass infested woods have significantly increased native tree mortality. Cogon grass [Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.] They are decocted and used to treat urinary tract infections, fevers, thirst etc. It affects the lives of vegetation around, wildlife habitat, recreation, site management, and even native plants that can only be found in specific places. Cogon grass is a tall (2-5 ft.) perennial grass with bright yellowy-green foliage. The leaf margins are finely serrated; contributing to the undesirable forage qualities of this grass. Found throughout the southeastern U.S. and widely established in Florida. UF Privacy Policy © 2020 University of Florida / IFAS / Center for Aquatic & Invasive Plants I. cylindrica is a perennial grass which varies in height (30-150 cm). Crude protein of mature stands rarely attains the minimal 7% level needed to sustain cattle, making supplementation essential for livest… Cogon grass grows 0.6–3 metres (2–10 feet) tall and has roots that can reach more than 1 metre (3.3 feet) long. 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