MAY 5, 2007
We have our first report of cogongrass in flower for this season. The identification was made by Scott Bell, a Department of m Plant Industry Inspector for Clemson University. The location is a new site in Hampton County just down the road from a n m formerly identified site. The site has been treated and will be monitored.
We need to be on the lookout for the grass during the flowering stage. The flower or seed head is silvery white in color, cylindrical in shape, and ranges in length from 2 to 8 inches. There are hundreds of seed in each seed head. The seeds are light and fluffy and float easily through the air, similar to the seeds on a mature dandelion. Additional identification information can be found on this web site and on the web at www.cogongrass.org/identification.cfm
Please notify people you work with that we are seeing the grass in flower right now. Ask them to be especially vigilant for the next 60 days. Information, brochures, posters and assistance can be found at the local Clemson Extension Office and the local SC Forestry Commission Office. Please notify these offices or the Department of Plant Industry (864-646-2130) if you think you see the plant in your area.
JUNE 10, 2007
The publicity from newspaper articles, TV interviews, magazine articles and organization newsletters have greatly increased public awareness of cogongrass. All reported potential sightings are being evaluated and where necessary ground visits have occurred. As of this date no new locations have been identified.
Previously identified locations have been evaluated this spring and several of the locations are being treated once they have enough growth to conduct the herbicide throughout the plant. All previous locations will be reevaluated later this year.
Cogongrass Task Force for South Carolina:
The Cogongrass Task Force began operating in early 2007. The Task Force works closely to support the activities of the Department of Plant Industry at Clemson University who is responsible for the eradication of cogongrass within South Carolina. The Task Force conducts most of its business with conference telephone calls. Groups represented on the Task Force members are listed here.
Clemson University
Plant Industry
Forestry & Natural Resources
Entomology, Soil & Plant Science
Biological Sciences
SC Forestry Commission
USDA - Forest Service
SC Department of Natural Resources
USDA - Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service - Plant Protection & Quarantine
SC Exotic Plant Pest Council
SC Native Plant Society
SC Department of Transportation
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