Giant salvinia
Quick Facts |  |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Salvinia molesta |
| Origin | South America |
| Introduction | 1990s, horticulturists |
| Aquatic community | Floating |
| Habitat | Water surfaces, quiescent waters |
| Distribution | N & central FL lakes, SW FL canals |
| Management effort | Eradication |
| 2012 public waters / plant acres: | 0 / 0 |
Environmental and Economic Concerns
- Grows rapidly and reproduces by vegetative fragments
- Dense infestations block navigation, cover native plants, and clog irrigation pipes
- Reduces oxygen content in water which can lead to fish kills
- Considered one of the world’s worst weeds
Salvinia molesta
Salvinia molesta
Management Options | |
|---|---|
| Biological | South American weevil, Cyrtobagous salviniae |
| Chemical | Diquat, fluridone, glyphosate, penoxsulam |
| Mechanical | Not feasible in current infestations |
| Physical | Dewatering |
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Status of the Aquatic Plant Maintenance Program in Florida Public Waters, Annual Report – Fiscal Year 2009-2010.
Last updated: 13 May 2013