Methods for Management of Nonindigenous Aquatic Plants

Abstract

Numerous terrestrial plant communities have been invaded by nonindigenous (NI) plant species that have disrupted community dynamics and ecosystem processes. Aquatic communities, too, have been modified by many recent arrivals. Some, such as purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), can inhabit both wetland and terrestrial sites; others, such as Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa), are strictly aquatic, growing submersed in water. Invaders range in size from tall trees, for example, melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia), to the duckweed-sized mosquito fern (Azolla caroliniana). Many are nationwide problems (e.g., Eurasian watermilfoil [Myriophyllum spicatum]); some are localized geographically (e.g., water-chestnut [Trapa natans]). However, all these aquatic species follow similar principles in their impacts on aquatic sites and invoke similar approaches to their management.