Post by Rebekah Parker
Re: Mikrania micrantha
Good work including the economic impacts as well.
Mikrania micrantha
The invasive species I chose is called Mikania micrantha, or more commonly known as “Mile-a-Minute” or “Chinese creeper.” It’s a perennial vine meaning once it roots, it will stick around for years. Perennials can withstand seasonal changes, and if they become dormant in cold weather, will revive in the springtime. Mikania micrantha originated in Southeast Asia and the Pacific where it has massively invaded tea and coconut plantations, in some cases causing complete plantation abandonment in these areas. Interestingly enough, it was used in WWII as a camouflage for airfields in India. It was first discovered in the United States in Florida where it has since grossly invaded the state but also spread throughout the country. It thrives in moist areas with high precipitation, hence why it has done so well in the state of Florida where the humidity is often 80% or higher. Mikania micrantha is actually named one of the world’s 100 most invasive species. It spreads similarly to a dandelion in that its flowers dry up, revealing feathery seeds that can be easily carried through the wind. A singular origin of this vine can produce up to 40,000 seeds per year. These numerous seeds can spread very quickly in the wind or carried in the fur of animals and once they arrive, they are difficult to get rid of due to their invasive nature. In addition to its easily-transferable seeds, Mikania micranthia grows at an impressive rate, making it even more difficult to eradicate. This is especially troublesome when considering the types of plants Mikrania micrantha threatens. It often threatens fruiting plants such as banana, cacao, and coconut plants by smothering them out with their rapid growth. The vine blocks light from reaching these plants, inhibiting photosynthesis, and slowly killing the plant. In some cases, this vine has even been known to creep into rice plantations and slowly smother the crop. The following suspicion is not confirmed, but it is believed that this vine releases a chemical that further harms plants in which it grows upon. This vine doesn’t just threaten these plants. It threatens a multitude of produce that feeds America and stimulates the economy. This is why it is so important that we are able to keep this “Mile-a-Minute” under control.
As you can imagine, Mikrania micrantha is extremely difficult to eradicate. A few experimental fungal pathogens and bugs have been introduced to this vine in an effort to pinpoint a strong natural enemy. It appears, however, that no clear or solid solution has been identified. A straightforward method of removal is manual cutting the vines and stripping the area of all traces of the vine. This will help the issue in the short term in that light will again be able to reach the plants it was previously surrounding. However, this vine will quickly reproduce from the remaining seeds and/or from any small fragments left behind. Chemicals will also help eradicate this invasive vine with the risk of infecting the produce plants surrounding. In summary, there is no clear-cut method yet on the removal of Mikrania micrantha. It will likely continue to be one of the prevalent invasive species in the world until new information or new technology is discovered.