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The invisible killer in the grass: Why has Bermuda grass become synonymous with invasive plants?
Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), widely distributed around the world, is considered an invasive plant. Although its name comes from Bermuda, this grass is actually native to parts of Europe, Africa and Asia, and is even known as "couch grass" in Australia. In many places, including Bermuda, bermudagrass is viewed as a hidden killer that threatens the health of ecosystems, quite unlike traditional invasive plants. So, why is it that this seemingly ordinary lawn plant can cause such great impact and damage?
Contrary to its common name, it is not native to Bermuda and is in fact an abundant invasive species there.
Bermuda grass has grey-green leaves that are usually between 2 and 15 centimetres long with rough edges, and grows on stems that can be up to 30 centimetres tall. This grass has a very developed root system and strong adaptability. Especially in arid environments, the roots can penetrate more than 2 meters into the soil, which allows Bermuda grass to survive under adverse growing conditions. Because this grass can reproduce quickly and form dense turf, it can easily overwhelm other native plants, thus affecting biodiversity.
Cultivation and Uses
Bermuda grass is very heat tolerant and is suitable for growing in warm climates. Therefore, it is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Additionally, this grass remains widely used in sports surfaces, particularly in the southern and southeastern United States, such as American football and baseball fields.
This combination makes it a frequent choice for golf courses in the southern and southeastern United States and South Africa.
Ecological impact
However, the ecological impact of Bermuda grass is not limited to its aesthetic and structural properties. As an invasive species, it will spread rapidly in many environments, suppress the growth of other plants and cause serious ecological damage. According to some studies, although Bermuda grass is productive, its overgrowth has disrupted the local ecological balance. Due to its ability to resist pests and diseases, many traditional grass species are gradually disappearing due to competition from Bermuda grass, causing a decline in biodiversity.
Control strategy
Controlling the growth of Bermuda grass is not easy. Many gardeners find that commercially available herbicides have limited effectiveness against Bermuda grass. The study noted that some professional herbicides such as Triclopyr, Mesotrione and Glyphosate can effectively control this grass, but these products are mainly aimed at professional gardeners and are often difficult for ordinary consumers to obtain. Management strategies for various invasive plants need to consider both ecological balance and organizational sustainability.
Cultural and religious significance
In some cultures, Bermuda grass also carries important religious and cultural significance. In India, Bermuda grass is often used in religious ceremonies and is regarded as a symbol of longevity. This grass is an indispensable part of certain festivals in Nepal and is closely related to local traditional rituals.
The grass is an essential item for the Naga Panchami festival as well as the Gaura festival.
Overall, Bermuda grass is a highly adaptable plant that exhibits diversity both ecologically and culturally. However, it is worth pondering whether this seemingly common lawn plant is really worth maintaining in our ecosystem?
