Distribution: Peninsular Florida, many South FL canals
Management effort: Eradication in public lakes Eradication/contain in canal systems
2017 public waters / plant acres: 2 / 1
2017 Waters / acres controlled: 9 / 464
Environmental and Economic Concerns
Surface of small, still ponds or backwaters, ditches or canals without wave action
Abundant in water with high nutrient levels, such as retention ponds, cattle paddocks and farm ponds
Forms dense mats, interfering with boating, fishing and swimming
blocks sunlight from reaching submersed plants
reduces oxygen levels by blocking the interface between the water surface and the atmosphere
Reproduces and spreads rapidly by vegetative growth and via spores
Can survive on moist soil in and around rivers, ditches, and ponds, allowing it to endure dry periods
Management Options
Biological: Unknown if triploid grass carp will control
Chemical: Diquat, flumioxazin
Mechanical: Impractical due to tiny plant size
Physical: Drawdowns impractical – can survive dry periods
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Status of the Aquatic Plant Maintenance Program in Florida Public Waters, Annual Report – Fiscal Year 2016-2017.