Hydrilla verticillata (L.F.) Royle (Hydrocharitaceae), "The Perfect Aquatic Weed"

The submersed macrophyte hydrilla [Hydrilla verticillata (L.F.) Royle], which is native to the warmer areas of Asia, was first discovered in the United States in 1960. A highly specialized growth habit, physiological characteristics, and reproduction make this plant well adapted to life in submersed...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Castanea 1996-09, Vol.61 (3), p.293-304
Main Author: Langeland, KA
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural management
Aquatic plants
Aquatic weeds
Freshwater fishes
Hydrilla verticillata
Invasion of the South: The Ecological Impact and Control of Exotic Weeds in the Southeastern United States: Symposium Given at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. April 20, 1995
Lakes
Macrophytes
Plants
Tubers
Vegetation
Water management
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The submersed macrophyte hydrilla [Hydrilla verticillata (L.F.) Royle], which is native to the warmer areas of Asia, was first discovered in the United States in 1960. A highly specialized growth habit, physiological characteristics, and reproduction make this plant well adapted to life in submersed freshwater environments. Consequently, hydrilla has spread rapidly through portions of the United States and become a serious weed. Where the plant occurs, it causes substantial economic hardships, interferes with various water uses, displaces native aquatic plant communities, and adversely impacts freshwater habitats. Management techniques have been developed, but sufficient funding is not available to stop the spread of the plant or implement optimum management programs. Educational efforts to increase public and political awareness of problems associated with this weed and the need for adequate funding to manage it are necessary.
ISSN:0008-7475
1938-4386