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Research Article: Alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) Control by Surface Covers and Benthic Barriers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 July 2009

George J. Pesacreta
George J. Pesacreta*
Affiliation:
Ecological Consultants, Hillsborough, North Carolina
*
Environmental Scientist, Ecological Consultants, 4216 Hope Valley Drive, Hillsborough, NC 27278; (fax) 919-644-8020
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Abstract

Benthic barriers and surface covers installed to control alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) suppressed growth after five months in Cane Creek Lake, a water supply reservoir serving the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro, North Carolina. By five months, no shoot biomass and few fibrous roots were detected below benthic barrier plots and only white and flaccid shoots and roots were detected below surface cover plots. Phenotypic differences were observed based on the varying duration of coverage. Surface cover and benthic barrier treatments that lasted from one to three months delayed flowering of alligatorweed by one month, while areas covered for four and five months did not flower at all. Shoot lengths were less for shaded treatments compared to control plots. Dissolved oxygen was lower and pH more acidic after one month coverage under benthic barriers. After two months, pH and dissolved oxygen recovered under benthic barriers to values near the control plots. Water chemistry in the surface cover and control plots were similar. Light penetration below benthic barriers and surface covers was blocked throughout the experiment, suggesting no deterioration of the materials occurred after five months placement in the lake. Application of light shading materials gave seasonal control of alligatorweed. Deployment and maintenance of surface covers and benthic barriers were similar and both methods are recommended for aquatic plant management of alligatorweed in Cane Creek Lake.

Type
Features & Reviews
Information
Environmental Practice , Volume 1 , Issue 2 , June 1999 , pp. 102 - 107
Copyright
Copyright © National Association of Environmental Professionals 1999

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