How does Aquatic Plant Control Work?

There are three methods of controlling aquatic plants, chemical, biological, or mechanical. Any one of these methods or a combination of several can be used to elimiated unwanted aquatic weed growth.

			Chemical control includes the use of herbicides labeled for use in the water. Different herbicides kill plants in different ways. For instance, contact herbicides kill only the parts of the plant they come in contact with. Therefore even spray coverage of herbicides is a must to obtain good results. Systemic herbicides work a little differently. When the herbicide is applied, it is absorbed by the leaves, translocates through the plant to the root sytem killing the plant.
			Biological control is more and more being used in combination with herbicides to provide a fast kill followed by long term, natural control. The Triploid Grass Carp is an aquatic weed eating fish that is used to control many submersed and floating plants. Triploid Grass Carp are sterile and eat only plants so they cannot reproduce or compete for food with game fish. When used in conjunction with herbicides, these fish offer long term control.
			Mechanical control is just that; the removal of plants through mechanical methods. This can be done through dredging, hand removal or the use of a "cookie cutter" which is a barge rigged with giant cutters that cut the plants then move them up a conveyor belt and deposit them into an awaiting truck. The advantages are quick results. The draw backs are that the plants grow back quickly because the root systems are still very much alive. Also where certain plants are fragmented, each fragment can root and develop into a new plant.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each method. A professional aquatic plant manager should evaluate your unique situation and help you develop a program that fits your needs.

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Florida Environmental Consultants, Inc.
PO Box 1358
Palatka, FL 32178-1358
Phone 386/659-2389, Fax 386/659-2580