Aquatic Vegetation Ecology & ID
Brittany Chesser, M.S.
Aquatic Vegetation Management Program Specialist
Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences
• Resources• Pros/cons• Spread • Identification • Types of control• Harmful plants of Texas
http://Aquaplant.tamu.edu
http://Fisheries.tamu.edu
Pros/Cons
Increase water loss (evapotranspiration)
Provides breeding habitat for noxious insects
Limit recreational activities Out compete native spp.
Increase water clarity Limit erosion Provide food to waterfowl Enhance aesthetics Create buffer for run-off
nutrients Habitat for small fishes Oxygen production
PresenterPresentation NotesVectors of human diseases Can also affect rice crops
PresenterPresentation NotesSunlight also plays a key role in the health of aquatic ecosystems by providing the necessary energy for aquatic vegetation to transform carbon dioxide and inorganic materials into carbohydrates and proteins through photosynthesis
One concern is the overabundance and aggressiveness of an individual species shading the water column and reducing the presence of other less aggressive, and often native, species.
Major algae blooms may hinder seagrass growth by blocking sunlight and render the estuarine floor unsuitable for regrowth of seagrass (Kennish et al. 2008), as well as dramatically reducing available oxygen to aquatic flora and fauna.
PresenterPresentation NotesSunlight also plays a key role in the health of aquatic ecosystems by providing the necessary energy for aquatic vegetation to transform carbon dioxide and inorganic materials into carbohydrates and proteins through photosynthesis
One concern is the overabundance and aggressiveness of an individual species shading the water column and reducing the presence of other less aggressive, and often native, species.
Major algae blooms may hinder seagrass growth by blocking sunlight and render the estuarine floor unsuitable for regrowth of seagrass (Kennish et al. 2008), as well as dramatically reducing available oxygen to aquatic flora and fauna.
Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?
What do plants need for growth?Water SunlightNutrients
Ponds = nutrient sinksaccumulate nutrients from
watershed & groundwater over time!
PresenterPresentation NotesSunlight also plays a key role in the health of aquatic ecosystems by providing the necessary energy for aquatic vegetation to transform carbon dioxide and inorganic materials into carbohydrates and proteins through photosynthesis
One concern is the overabundance and aggressiveness of an individual species shading the water column and reducing the presence of other less aggressive, and often native, species.
Major algae blooms may hinder seagrass growth by blocking sunlight and render the estuarine floor unsuitable for regrowth of seagrass (Kennish et al. 2008), as well as dramatically reducing available oxygen to aquatic flora and fauna.
Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?
Propagate by:SeedsFragments RootsVegetative offshoots
Tolerate flooding & drought
PresenterPresentation NotesMost are introduced as an ornamental from Asia, South America and Africa
Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?
Propagate by: Seeds
Banana lily
PresenterPresentation NotesCluster of thick banana shaped roots,
Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?
Propagate by: Seeds
American pondweed
Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?
Propagate by: Fragmentation
Hydrillia
PresenterPresentation NotesHydrillia, less than a inch can turn into a fragment
Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?
Propagate by: Fragmentation
Coontail
Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?
Propagate by: Roots/rhizomesSpatterdock/ Cow lily
Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?
Propagate by: Roots/rhizomesAmerican lotus
and seeds!
Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?
Propagate by: Vegetative offshootsAlligatorweed
10!
Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?
Propagate by: Vegetative offshoots
Water hyacinth
and seeds!
Spread of Aquatic Vegetation
PresenterPresentation NotesDumping aquarium into a body of water or even a ditch
Same Plant?
PresenterPresentation NotesLocation- above the waters surfaceLeaf shape/veination- very similar spade-shaped green leaves, both most likely twice as long as they are wide. that may be above or below the water surface
Same Plant?
PresenterPresentation NotesPickerel weed- cluster of flowers in spike up to 6 in long, violetDufourea novaeangliae is a solitary ground-nesting bee that lives in the eastern U.S. The range of these bees is presumably limited by the availability of its only known pollen source, the pickerel weedMud plaintain- 1 flower, six narrow petals, white to blueish purple in color
Same Plant?
≤ 3’< 1’
Same Plant?
PickerelweedPontederia cordata
Mud plaintainHeteranthera limosa
PresenterPresentation NotesLuckily both of these species are native
Algae Floating Submerged Emergent
primitive, non-seed bearing plants & no roots, stems, or true leaves
all parts of plant floats (including roots)
mostly underwater, rooted with flaccid (limp) stems
rooted with stiff or rigid stems with all or parts standing above surface
AlgaePlanktonic algae Filamentous algae Macro-algae
• Microscopic and floating • Stringy or hair-like• Bubbly-looking surface
mats
• Looks like rooted plants BUT has no roots, stems,or true leaves
PresenterPresentation NotesPlanktonic algae- 80% of your pond O2. this is what you fertilize to get
Planktonic Algae
• Thousands of species
• Color pond water shades of green, blue-green, brown or variations in between
ChlamydomonaChlorellaEuglenaClosteriumAnacystis spp.
PresenterPresentation NotesPlanktonic algae blooms are considered desirable as the beginning of the pond food chain. In fact, fertilization programs are often used to promote algae blooms to thereby support a larger fish population. Planktonic algae is desirable for shading the pond bottom (in areas over 2 feet deep). This shading suppresses the establishment of rooted aquatic plants. However, to much planktonic algae can cause oxygen depletions and fish kills
Planktonic Algae
• Thousands of species • Color pond water shades
of green, blue-green, brown or variations in between
PresenterPresentation NotesPlanktonic algae blooms are considered desirable as the beginning of the pond food chain. In fact, fertilization programs are often used to promote algae blooms to thereby support a larger fish population. Planktonic algae is desirable for shading the pond bottom (in areas over 2 feet deep). This shading suppresses the establishment of rooted aquatic plants. However, to much planktonic algae can cause oxygen depletions and fish killsAnabaenaAphanizomenonMicrocystis spp.
Filamentous algae
• Single algae cells that form long visible chains, threads, or filaments
• Filaments intertwine forming a mat that resembles wet wool
SpirogyraAnabaena OscillatoriaLyngbyaPithophora
Filamentous algae
• Oxygen & other gases trapped in filaments
• Stressed or dying cells
Macro-algae (Chara)• Foul, musty – almost
garlic-like odor• Gray-green branched
multi-cellular algae • No flower• Will not extend above the
water surface• Texture is “grainy” or
“crunchy” • Cylindrical, whorled
branches with 6 to 16 branchlets around each nodeChara spp.
Macro-algae (Nitella)
• Branched multicellular algae
• No flower• Will not extend above the
water surface• Nitella has no odor and
are soft to the touch, unlike Chara
• Light to dark green in color with forked, bushy branches 1/16 to 1/8 inches in diameter.
Nitella spp.
PresenterPresentation NotesAlso called stoneworts
Floating plants
DuckweedsWatermealMosquito fern (Azolla)Salvinia
common & giantWater lettuceWater hyacinth**Water lilies and similar plants are not
considered floating**
DuckweedLeaves:
• Clusters of 2-5+• Round or egg-shaped• Slightly curving
Flowers:• 2-3 flowers
Fruit: • Slightly winged
Seeds:• Smooth with a spongy
outer layerRoots:
• 3-11 nerves
Lemna minor
PresenterPresentation NotesStill waters Common duckweed=native
Oxygen depletion
Full shading of areas and light deprivation
WatermealBody:
• Rootless• Floating plant• Barely visible to the
naked eye• Form large, green
masses on the surface of water (thin green scum)
• Spherical or oval shape, sometimes flattened
• About the size of a pinhead
Wolffia spp.
PresenterPresentation NotesStill waters Watermeal= smallest flowering plant Common duckweed=native
Azolla (Mosquito Fern)
Leaves:• Free-floating, forming
dense mats• Small leaves arranged
oppositely around stem
Fruit:• Located on lower
lobe of leafColor:
• Reddish or green in color
Azolla spp.
PresenterPresentation NotesUp to ½” wide & 2” deep, green-red, looks like liverworts, usually found along banks in slow/still water
Azolla (Mosquito Fern)
Leaves:• Free-floating, forming
dense mats• Small leaves arranged
oppositely around stem
Fruit:• Located on lower
lobe of leafColor:
• Reddish or green in color
Azolla spp.
PresenterPresentation NotesUp to ½” wide & 2” deep, green-red, looks like liverworts, usually found along banks in slow/still water
Submerged plants
CoontailEelgrassEgeriaElodeaFanwortHydrilliaBushy PondweedParrotfeather
American PondweedBladderwort Curly-leaf Pondweed Illinois PondweedSago PondweedVariable-leaf PondweedEurasian WatermilfoilVariable-leaf WatermilfoilWater Star Grass
CoontailLeaves:
• ≤12 leaves per whorl• Forked• Small teeth• ~0.5” long
Stems:• ≤11.4’ long• Branching• Form large masses• Brittle• Cord-like and flexible
Fruit/Seeds:• Elliptical-shaped• Tightly packed• Smooth• About 0.16-0.19
inches long
Ceratophyllum demersum
PresenterPresentation NotesNativeLoosely connected to pond bottom Tips of leaves are crowded with leaves giving coontail appearanceReproduction by seeds and fragmentation
CoontailLeaves:
• ≤12 leaves per whorl• Straight and flat• ~0.5” long
Stems:• ≤11.4’ long• Branching• Form large masses• Brittle• Cord-like and flexible
Fruit/Seeds:• Elliptical-shaped• Tightly packed• Smooth• About 0.16-0.19
inches long
Ceratophyllumdemersum
PresenterPresentation NotesFruits are consumed by ducks
Bushy Pondweed(Southern Naiad)Leaves:
• Linear• Opposite to
somewhat alternate
• ~0.5” long & 0.12” wide
• Decrease in size towards tip
• Usually tipped with 1-2 spines
• Rounded or sloping at the base
Stems:• Slender• Branching• ~ 2’ long
Najas guadalupensis
PresenterPresentation NotesNativeDark green, branching profusely, Thread-like leaves that are opposite or in whorls of 3Flowers at base but only observed through magnification Seeds are encased in leaf sheath and are the primary source of food for many duck sp
American Pondweed
Stem:• Submerged• Thread-like
Leaves:• Leather-like• Elliptical• ~2" wide• ~4" long
Flowers: • Immobile• Green-Brown
Potamogeton nodosus
PresenterPresentation NotesStringy stem, floating leavesNativeFruits are on spikes above the waters surface , source of food for ducks and wildlife
Sago Pondweed
Increased water loss of 200 – 300%*Non-native*
Leaves:• Threadlike• ≤6” long • Strong cross veins• Small leaves at the base
of normal leafFlowers:
• Nearly immobile• Greenish • Oval- to elliptical-
shapedFruit:
• Nut-like • ~¼” long
Stem:• Horizontal stem branching• Abundantly branched near
top
Stuckenia pectinata
PresenterPresentation NotesNative
Sago Pondweed
Increased water loss of 200 – 300%*Non-native*
Leaves:• Threadlike• ≤6” long • Strong cross veins• Small leaves at the base
of normal leafFlowers:
• Nearly immobile• Greenish • Oval- to elliptical-
shapedFruit:
• Nut-like • ~¼” long
Stem:• Horizontal stem branching• Abundantly branched near
top
Stuckenia pectinata
PresenterPresentation NotesWaterfowl eat both the fruits and tubers
Illinois Pondweed
Submersed Leaves:• Thin• Elliptical• Wavy• Prominent
midvein• Immobile
Floating Leaves:• Leather texture• Elliptical• Usually absent
Flowers:• Cylindrical spike• 8-15 whorls
Potamogeton illinoensis
PresenterPresentation NotesNative Wrinkled leaves, stringy stem, seed headUsed in restoration efforts to stabilize soils and remove nutrients from water column Ducks and wildlife
Illinois Pondweed
Submersed Leaves:• Thin• Elliptical• Wavy• Prominent
midvein• Immobile
Floating Leaves:• Leather texture• Elliptical• Usually absent
Flowers:• Cylindrical spike• 8-15 whorls
Potamogeton illinoensis
PresenterPresentation NotesWrinkled leaves, stringy stem, seed headUsed in restoration efforts to stabilize soils and remove nutrients from water column
Water Star GrassLeaves:
• Ribbon-like• No distinct
midvein• ≤6” long• Thin sheaths
Flowers:• Single• < 1” long• Exposed• Yellow
Seeds:• Egg-shaped
Stem:• Slender• Branching
Heteranthera dubia
PresenterPresentation NotesCan be consumer by ducks and wading birds but not considered an important food item, Seeds and fragmentation
Emergent Plants
ArrowheadButtonbushCattailCommon ReedGiant ReedHorsetailLizard’s-tailPickerelweedRushes & Sedges
SmartweedSouthern WatergrassTorpedograssWaterleafWaterliliesWater PennywortWater PrimroseWater Shield Willow
AlligatorweedLeaves:
• Opposite• Thick and fleshy• Linear to sword-
shaped • 0.78-4.33” long• 0.2-0.78” wide
Flowers:• Bractlets• Silvery-white• Papery• ~1/4” long
Stem:• Hollow• Smooth • On ground, curving
upward
Alternantheraphiloxeroides
PresenterPresentation NotesOriginally from South AmericaSimple leaves, smooth margins, opposite leaf pattern, hollow stems, small papery white-pink flowersFlowers from April-October, resemble white clover No known value to wildlife
Leaves:• Opposite• Thick and fleshy• Linear to sword-
shaped • 0.78-4.33” long• 0.2-0.78” wide
Flowers:• Bractlets• Silvery-white• Papery• ~1/4” long
Stem:• Hollow• Smooth • On ground, curving
upward
Alligatorweed
Alternantheraphiloxeroides
PresenterPresentation NotesOriginally from South AmericaSimple leaves, smooth margins, opposite leaf pattern, hollow stems, small papery white-pink flowersFlowers from April-October
Arrowhead
Leaves:• Long leaf stalks• Bladeless or with
unlobed or arrow-shaped blades
Flowers:• Whorls of 3• 3 sepals• 3 petals• White, rarely pink
Fruit:• One seed• Does not release
when ripe• Flattened
Sagittaria spp.
PresenterPresentation NotesThere are many spp, Native and introduced species. Some have 3 points giving arrowhead appearance and some are more slender Tubers are preferred food of ducks, geese, muskrats and nutria. Seeds sometimes consumed by ducks
Arrowhead
Leaves:• Long leaf stalks• Bladeless or with
unlobed or arrow-shaped blades
Flowers:• Whorls of 3• 3 sepals• 3 petals• White, rarely pink
Fruit:• One seed• Does not release
when ripe• FlattenedSagittaria spp.
Water Primrose
Leaves:• Oval- or sword-
shaped• Up to 6” long• Covered on both
sides by small, soft hairs
Flowers:• Flower in all seasons,
except winter• 4-5 petals• Yellow
Stem:• Branched• Spongy when in
water
Ludwigia spp.
PresenterPresentation NotesNative and introducedGreen to red stems, yellow flowers with 4 petals, 12 species commonly found in TX Waterfowl eat seedsStands erect but has long runners that can float
Leaves:• Oval- or sword-
shaped• Up to 6” long• Covered on both
sides by small, soft hairs
Flowers:• Flower in all seasons,
except winter• 4-5 petals• Yellow
Stem:• Branched• Spongy when in
water
Water Primrose
Ludwigiaspp.
PresenterPresentation NotesGreen to red stems, yellow flowers with 4 petals, 12 species commonly found in TX
Leaves:• Oval- or sword-
shaped• Up to 6” long• Covered on both
sides by small, soft hairs
Flowers:• Flower in all seasons,
except winter• 4-5 petals• Yellow
Stem:• Branched• Spongy when in
water
Water Primrose
Ludwigia spp.
PresenterPresentation NotesGreen to red stems, yellow flowers with 4 petals, 12 species commonly found in TX
Waterhyssop
Stem:• Emergent• Fleshy• Green
Leaves:• Opposite• Thick• 1/8" wide• 5/8" long
Flowers: • Small• 4-5 petals• White-blue
Bacopa spp.
PresenterPresentation NotesNative and introduced, 2 common speciesNearly rounded off leavesSimple, Fleshy, opposite leaf patterns
Waterhyssop
Stem:• Emergent• Fleshy• Green
Leaves:• Opposite• Thick• 1/8" wide• 5/8" long
Flowers: • Small• 4-5 petals• White-blue
Bacopa spp.
PresenterPresentation NotesNearly rounded off leavesSimple, Fleshy, opposite leaf patterns
Waterhyssop
Bacopa monnieri
PresenterPresentation NotesNearly rounded off leavesSimple, Fleshy, opposite leaf patterns
Cattail
Leaves:• Arranged &
straight• Immobile• Linear• Fleshy
Flowers:• Long, dense
cylindrical spike• End of stem
Seeds:• In the air
Stem:• Simple & jointless
Typha spp.
PresenterPresentation NotesNative and introduced
Cattail
Leaves:• Arranged &
straight• Immobile• Linear• Fleshy
Flowers:• Long, dense
cylindrical spike• End of stem
Seeds:• In the air
Stem:• Simple & jointless
Typha spp.
Lily-like Plants
• Floating leaves• Flexible stalks• Thick rhizomes
PresenterPresentation NotesWith all of these, the leaves float at or just above the waterWaterlily= “Pac Man” leaves Spatterdock= yellow flowers that look partially open
White Water Lily
Leaves:• Green on top• Slightly green with
red or purplish-red on bottom
• “Pac-man” shapedFlowers:
• White• Fragrant• Sepals often
purplish on back• Elliptical, egg-
shaped or sword-shaped
• Usually more than 25 petals
Nymphaea odorata
PresenterPresentation NotesNativeWith all of these, the leaves float at or just above the waterWaterlily= “Pac Man” leaves Spatterdock= yellow flowers that look partially open
Yellow Water Lily
Leaves:• Oval-shaped• Up to 9 inches
wide• Fleshy• Bright-green on
top• Purple or deep-red
on bottomFlowers:
• Bright yellow • Sepals are sword-
shaped• ~25 petals• Elliptical or sword-
shaped
Nymphaea mexicana
PresenterPresentation NotesNativeWith all of these, the leaves float at or just above the waterWaterlily= “Pac Man” leaves Spatterdock= yellow flowers that look partially open
SpatterdockLeaves:
• Growing upward• Oval- to almost
disk-shaped•
American Lotus
Leaves:• Disk-shaped• Centrally shield-
shaped• Up to 2.75 feet in
diameter• Center cupped• Peduncles thick
Flowers:• Pale yellow in
color• Up to 10 inches
wide• 20+ sepals and
petals
Nelumbo lutea
PresenterPresentation NotesNative
Water ShieldLeaves:
• Leaf stalks long• Shield- or oval-
shaped• Jelly-like on
bottom• Up to 4 inches
longFlowers:
• Small• Dull-purple• 3-4 petals and
sepals each
Brasenia schreberi
PresenterPresentation NotesNative
Banana Lily or Floating Hearts
Leaves:• Yellowish-green
on upper surface• Dark on lower
surface• Slender leaf stalks
Flowers:• White• Petals elliptical- or
sword- shaped• Small (Petals ~0.4”
long)
Nymphoides spp.
PresenterPresentation NotesNative and introducedWith all of these, the leaves float at or just above the waterWaterlily= “Pac Man” leaves Spatterdock= yellow flowers that look partially open
Smartweed (Water Pepper)
Leaves:• Alternate• Sword-shaped• Paper-like sheath
at base Flowers:
• Clusters of 1-9 at ends of branches
• Pink, green, or white
Fruit:• One seeded• Does not open to
release seed when ripe
Polygonum spp.
PresenterPresentation NotesNative and introduced9 species common in TX, Swollen node= ocrea , alternate leaf pattern, small white-pink flowers in clusters, can roots at nodes (vegetative offshoots)Seeds are preferred by ducks, and small birds and mammals
Smartweed (Water Pepper)
Leaves:• Alternate• Sword-shaped• Paper-like sheath
at base Flowers:
• Clusters of 1-9 at ends of branches
• Pink, green, or white
Fruit:• One seeded• Does not open to
release seed when ripe
PresenterPresentation Notes9 species common in TX, Swollen node= ocrea , alternate leaf pattern, small white-pink flowers in clusters, can roots at nodes (vegetative offshoots)
Smartweed (Water Pepper)
Leaves:• Alternate• Sword-shaped• Paper-like sheath
at base Flowers:
• Clusters of 1-9 at ends of branches
• Pink, green, or white
Fruit:• One seeded• Does not open to
release seed when ripe
PresenterPresentation Notes9 species common in TX, Swollen node= ocrea , alternate leaf pattern, small white-pink flowers in clusters, can roots at nodes (vegetative offshoots)
WaterleafStem:
• Sturdy & erectLeaves:
• 1-4” inches long• ≤1” wide• Spike at each
nodeFlowers:
• Bright blue• Showy• ≤1” wide• Sepals shorter
than the flowerFruit:
• Egg-shaped or spherical
• Many, small seeds
Hydrolea spp.
PresenterPresentation NotesNative2 common spp to TXNo food value to wildlife
WaterleafStem:
• Sturdy & erectLeaves:
• 1-4” inches long• ≤1” wide
Flowers:• Bright blue• Showy• ≤1” wide• Sepals shorter
than the flowerFruit:
• Egg-shaped or spherical
• Many, small seeds
American Water WillowLeaves:
• Linear or sword-shaped
• Thin at base• Opposite • 2-6” long
Flowers:• Spikes up to
1.18 inches long• Sepals form a
whorl around the petals
• Violet or whiteStem:
• Upright• Angular
Justicia americana
PresenterPresentation NotesNative
Giant Reed
Stem:• Thick• Hollow• Up to 30'
Leaves:• Alternate• Firm• 1-2' long
Flowers: • Thick cluster
Arundo donax
PresenterPresentation NotesCan grow up to 2” every day and a total of 30’ Introduced intentionally during 1820s from erosion controlBlackbirds & other birds roost in giant reedRodents eat roots and shoots
Giant Reed
Stem:• Thick• Hollow• Up to 30'
Leaves:• Alternate• Firm• 1-2' long
Flowers: • Thick cluster
PresenterPresentation NotesCan grow up to 2” every day and a total of 30’ Introduced intentionally during 1820s from erosion control
Giant Reed
Stem:• Thick• Hollow• Up to 30'
Leaves:• Alternate• Firm• 1-2' long
Flowers: • Thick cluster
PresenterPresentation NotesCan grow up to 2” every day and a total of 30’ Introduced intentionally during 1820s from erosion control Giant reed chokes riversides and stream channels, crowds out native plants, interferes with flood control, increases fire potential, and reduces habitat for wildlife, including the Least Bell's vireo, a federally endangered bird. The long, fibrous, interconnecting root mats of giant reed form a framework for debris dams behind bridges, culverts, and other structures that lead to damage. It ignites easily and can create intense fires.
Types of ControlMechanical Biological ChemicalHerbicides
Mechanical ControlFrequent cuttingRequires removal of cut vegetationOnly cuts & does not eliminateCan make problem worse if done incorrectly Expensive
“If you like mowing your yard, your
going to love mowing your
pond!”
Biological ControlInsects - not generally available to publicTriploid grass carp - requires TPWD permit &
escapement barrier Consume most submerged macrophytes
Tilapia (Mozambique only)
Herbivorous Fish
Triploid Grass Carp Mozambique Tilapia
TPWD permit No permit
Effective control for 5-7 years
Stock yearly(die off when water temperature < 55°F)
HydrilliaBushy pondweed
American pondweedIllinois pondweed
Filamentous algaeDuckweed
Azolla
PresenterPresentation NotesAny out flow at all needs an escapement barrier , application fee is $26 plus $2 per proposed fish then you actually have to buy your fished if you get approved. If rejected you will not get app fee back but will get fish fee
Mozambique tilapia no longer require exotic species permit or exotic species transport permit from TPWD topurchaseMozambique tilapia must be purchased from TPWD certified tilapia dealerItemized receipt including sellers address and contact information now serves as the exotic species transportpermit for the general public when buying Mozambique tilapia and must be in the vehicle at all times duringtransport
Other species of tilapia Blue or redbelly either require permit or is illegal Start stocking tilapia when water temp reaches 65F
Penalties for escapement or illegal release to public water
HerbicidesFourteen aquatically labeled herbicides:Copper & complexes of copperCarfentrazone2,4-DDiquatEndothallFluridoneImazamoxFlumioxazin
Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate
TriclopyrImazapyrBispyribacGlyphosatePenoxsulam
**NOT Karmex – no round-up**
PresenterPresentation NotesTakes about 250 tests on quality, safety, and efficacy (4-5 years)7 different MOA
The label is the law Legal Applications rates Legal applications methods
Texas Parks & Wildlife13. Harmful or potentially harmful exotic
plants §57.112. General Rules: An offense for any person to Release into public waters, import, sell,
purchase, transport, propagate, or possess Any species, hybrid of a species,
subspecies, seeds, or any part of any species defined as a harmful or potentially harmful aquatic plant
Identified Harmful Plants of Texas Submerged:
Hydrilla Eurasian watermilfoil
(not variable-leaf or northern)
Lagarsiphon (African Elodea)
Ambulia Floating:
Any water hyacinth (floating or rooted)
Water lettuce Any Salvinia (giant &
common) Giant or dotted
duckweed
Emergent Alligatorweed Torpedograss (also
floating) Water spinach or
swamp morning glory Narrowleaf &
heartshaped false pickerelweeds
Duck lettuce Wetland nightshade Exotic burr-reed Brazilian peppertree Purple loosestrife
POP QUIZ
“Scum”
“Filamentous Algae”
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PresenterPresentation NotesStill waters Watermeal= smallest flowering plant Common duckweed=native
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Brittany Chesser, M.S.
Aquatic Vegetation �Ecology & ID�Slide Number 2http://Aquaplant.tamu.edu Slide Number 4Slide Number 5http://Fisheries.tamu.edu Pros/ConsSlide Number 8Slide Number 9Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?Why does aquatic vegetation become problematic?Spread of Aquatic VegetationSame Plant?Same Plant?Same Plant?Same Plant?Slide Number 25AlgaePlanktonic Algae Planktonic Algae Filamentous algaeFilamentous algaeMacro-algae (Chara)Macro-algae (Nitella)Floating plantsDuckweedWatermealAzolla (Mosquito Fern)Azolla (Mosquito Fern)Submerged plantsCoontailCoontailBushy Pondweed(Southern Naiad)American PondweedSago PondweedSago PondweedIllinois PondweedIllinois PondweedWater Star GrassEmergent PlantsAlligatorweedAlligatorweedArrowheadArrowheadWater PrimroseWater PrimroseWater PrimroseWaterhyssopWaterhyssopWaterhyssopCattailCattailLily-like PlantsWhite Water Lily Yellow Water Lily SpatterdockAmerican LotusWater ShieldBanana Lily or Floating HeartsSmartweed (Water Pepper)Smartweed (Water Pepper)Smartweed (Water Pepper)WaterleafWaterleafAmerican Water WillowGiant ReedGiant ReedGiant ReedTypes of ControlMechanical ControlBiological ControlHerbivorous FishHerbicidesTexas Parks & WildlifeIdentified Harmful Plants of TexasSlide Number 84??????????Slide Number 90