Through much previous research, both international and regional, aimed at Cogongrass and through widescale operational applications in the Southern Region, we had identified the most effective herbicides, glyphosate and imazapyr, both have uniquely positive properties. Both are rapidly absorbed though the foliage, while only imazapyr is taken up through the rhizomes, which must be killed for eradication. But imazapyr can kill or injury plants in the treatment area, which are needed for site restoration. While another positive for imazapyr is that loblolly pine is somewhat resistant to this herbicide, which makes planting these pines in previously treated areas a good approach for site restoration. For it is Restoration that is the ultimate goal of an invasive plant management program and absolutely necessary for establishing trees and plants that will shade out the any remaining cogongrass.
Prior research, backed by operational treatments, had also identified the most cost effective rates of application for these herbicide, or the amount applied per acre, but uncertainly still remained about the relative effectiveness of the mixture of these two herbicides compared those applied singly.
Also not known was the most effective time to apply these treatments for optimum control and possible eradication. The goal of obtaining eradication was still in question. Can repeated herbicide treatments actually result in complete elimination of all plants and their rhizomes? Eradication had never been reported or gained in vast operational treatment programs, when this research was initiated.
 We finally gained answers to these nagging unknowns through this intensive research, which like all invasive plant endeavors was a cooperative effort. It was led by Auburn University Scientists with the team being completed with USDA Scientists. Funding and field assistance was provided by the Forest Service Southern Research Station. The arduous task of periodical digging large soil samples was required to determine the amount of rhizome kill and when eradication occurred. We hope through our efforts to determine which herbicides work best, and when, and knowing that eradication is possible will stimulate more cooperative efforts to tackle cogongrass and restore infested lands to productive and diverse habitats.