More DSV Facts

We certainly know that Dog-Strangling Vine (DSV or Cynanchum rossicum) is extremely good at reproducing by seeds.  Now, research is shedding light on yet another weapon in DSV's arsenal of self-protection.

It appears that tissue leachates and root exudates are detrimental to the seed germination and growth of other species.  In other words, when the plant stems and leaves decompose, they give off biochemicals that deter the growth of other plants. Biologists know these effects as phytotoxicity and allelopathy.  Further study is needed to understand the extent of the effect, but on the surface this appears to be something to be cautious of.  (Source:  Invasive Plant Science and Management)

This would mean that cut DSV should be removed and disposed of, rather than keeping it around as mulch in the hopes that it might inhibit further DSV growth.  As it turns out, we had already realized that re-cutting areas where the DSV was left as mulch was quite a challenge and so had begun removing cut DSV.  In any case, DSV control continues to be elusive.