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Preventing the Further Spread of Kudzu (Pueraria montana): A Stakeholder Perception Analysis on Best Management Practices (BMPs)

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Abstract

Kudzu is a rapidly growing ornamental vine, which continues to invade forests and other natural ecosystems in many parts of the United States including the state of Oklahoma. Effective quarantine regulations and their strict enforcement can help prevent invasive species from spreading, but public awareness, support, and early detection are keys for long-term success. The goal of this study is to understand whether stakeholders representing government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or landowners have similar or differing opinions of using best management practices (BMPs) to help prevent the further spread of kudzu. Study results suggested that while professionals working in government agencies and NGOs favored the positive aspects of BMPs, landowners had a reasonable suspicion of potential mismanagement leading to the increased dispersal of kudzu in the state. Landowner’s concerns of mismanaged BMPs suggest a need for education and outreach, which may help prevent the future spread of kudzu.

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Acknowledgements

The South Central Climate Science Adaptation Center and the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University in part supported this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, 008C Ag Hall, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA

    Alyssa Whiteman, Morgan Starr, Paulina Harron, Binod Chapagain & Omkar Joshi

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  1. Alyssa Whiteman
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  2. Morgan Starr
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  3. Paulina Harron
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  4. Binod Chapagain
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  5. Omkar Joshi
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Correspondence to Omkar Joshi.

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Whiteman, A., Starr, M., Harron, P. et al. Preventing the Further Spread of Kudzu (Pueraria montana): A Stakeholder Perception Analysis on Best Management Practices (BMPs). Small-scale Forestry 21, 153–167 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11842-021-09492-7

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