Curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) turion control with acetic acid and benthic barriers

Aquatic weed propagules pose a serious, long-term management problem. Curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus L.) produces numerous, asexual propagules that make traditional management difficult. In this study, we compared the effect of three benthic barrier materials (jute, polyethylene, and rubber...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of aquatic plant management 2014, Vol.52, p.31-38
Main Authors: Barr, Thomas C, DiTomaso, Joseph M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Potamogeton crispus
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Summary:Aquatic weed propagules pose a serious, long-term management problem. Curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus L.) produces numerous, asexual propagules that make traditional management difficult. In this study, we compared the effect of three benthic barrier materials (jute, polyethylene, and rubber) on the control of curlyleaf pondweed turions at the bench and mesocosm scales. In each replicated experiment, the bottom barriers covered the turions for 8 wk, and subsequently, turion viability was determined by percentage of sprouting. In the bench experiment, there was no significant inhibition in sprouting with any treatment, except the rubber material (52% reduction). Results in the mesocosm experiments showed slight effects on turion sprouting from jute and polyethylene, but far better control was achieved with rubber (70% reduction). In a second replicated study, also conducted at the bench and mesocosm scale, but only with the impermeable rubber barrier material, large- and small-class turions were exposed for 2 wk to dilute acetic acid (C sub(2)H sub(4)O sub(2), tapioca starch pearls, which facilitated slow release of the compound. Results of all experiments showed complete inhibition of sprouting turions at and above acetic acid concentrations of 83.3 mmol L super(-1) (0.5% v/v). The solid-starch formulation maintained continued, slow-release activity for at > 3 d. Complete inhibition in sprouting occurred when relative electrolyte leakage was 31% in large-class turions and 49% in small-class turions. These findings demonstrate the potential of tapioca starch saturated with acetic acid and combined with impermeable benthic barriers as an effective method for the control of curlyleaf pondweed turion sprouting.
ISSN:0146-6623