issg Database: Management and Information Links for Hygrophila polysperma

Hygrophila polysperma (aquatic plant)

Ecology Distribution Management
Info Impact
Info References
and Links Contacts

         Management Information

H. polysperma is described as a difficult aquatic plant to control.
Mechanical: The action of mechanical harvesters and chopping machines fragment the plants and increase their distribution (Ramey, 2001).
Biological: The Chinese grass carp, a common biological control agent, have a low preference for H. polysperma. Ramey (2001) reports that no other biological control work has been done for this species.
Chemical: Registered aquatic herbicides provide only marginal control of H. polysperma. Ramey (2001) states that according to the University of Florida's Aquatic Weed Management Guide, the only herbicide labeled to be used against H. polysperma is "Aquathol Super K Granular Aquatic Herbicide", having the active ingredient, "endothall".

         Management Resources/Links

1. Doyle, R. D., M. D. Francis, & R. M. Smart. 2003. Interference competition between Ludwigia repens and Hygrophila polysperma: two morphologically similar aquatic plant species. Aquatic Botany 77:223-234
        Summary: A scientific study on the competitiveness of polysperma that offers background information on the species.
2. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC). 2003. Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb.) T. Anders
        Summary: Information on description, economic importance, distribution, habitat, history, growth, and impacts and management of species.
3. FNZAS (Federation of New Zealand Aquatic Societies Inc.). UNDATED. Hygrophila polysperma. FNZAS Plant Survey.
        Summary: Information on description, economic importance, distribution, habitat, history, growth, and impacts and management of species.
Available from: http://www.fnzas.org.nz/320+B6JnVzZXJfcGxhbnRzPTc1JmNIYXNoPTJhOTdiN2E2MmY_.0.html [Accessed 12 January 2004]
4. Hall, D. W., and V. V.,Vandiver. 2003. East Indian Hygrophila, Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb.) T. Anderson. Florida Cooperative Extension Service: Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences: University of Florida.
        Summary: Information on description, economic importance, distribution, habitat, history, growth, and impacts and management of species.
Available from: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_FW019 [Accessed 12 January 2004]
5. Ramey, V. 2001. Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb.) T. Anderson. Non-Native Invasive Aquatic Plants in the United: States Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida and Sea Grant.
        Summary: Information on description, economic importance, distribution, habitat, history, growth, and impacts and management of species.
Available from: http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/seagrant/hygpol2.html [Accessed 12 January 2004]
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The Global Invasive Species Database is managed by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. It was developed as part of the global initiative on invasive species led by the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) and is supported through partnerships with the National Biological Information Infrastructure, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research and the University of Auckland. Conditions of use.