Kudzu (IMAGE) Duke University Caption One of the most damaging invasive species in history, kudzu, or Japanese arrowroot, found its way from Japan to the southeastern United States, where it is overtaking much of the landscape. An ecological concept known as the Allee effect governs the spread of invasive species and pathogens, according to a Duke University team that has tested the concept in engineered bacteria. Credit <a target="_blank" href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kudzu_field_horz2.JPG">Wikipedia Commons</a> Usage Restrictions <a target="_blank" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en.</a> License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.