Plant Management in Florida Waters - An Integrated Approach

Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences & Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Invasive Plant Management Section

Hygrophila

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Quick Facts MORE INFO
Scientific name	Hygrophila polysperma
Origin	India, Malaysia
Introduction	Mid-1940s, aquarium trade
Aquatic community	Submersed, emergent
Habitat	Wet soils to water 15 feet deep
Distribution	Central / South Florida, many canals
Management effort	Complaint management
2017 public waters / plant acres	23 (5%) / 72
2017 Waters / acres controlled	2 / 12

Hygrophila polysperma

Hygrophila polysperma

Management Options
Biological	Extremely high rates of sterile grass carp (in canal systems)
Chemical	Flumioxazin most effective, frequent applications of various formulations / rates of copper, diquat, endothall, fluridone and 2,4-D provide marginal control
Mechanical	Harvest floating mats – fragments may start new infestation
Physical	Hand pulling, raking

Environmental and Economic Concerns

Forms dense surface mats, especially in quiescent waters
- excludes light and oxygen penetration for native plants and animals
- hinders navigation and diminishes flood control capacity
- especially abundant and problematic in south Florida canals
Fragile stems root at each leaf node, allowing rapid dispersal and establishment
Expensive and extremely difficult to control
Most public water infestations found in rivers or in lakes near river inflow

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Status of the Aquatic Plant Maintenance Program in Florida Public Waters, Annual Report – Fiscal Year 2016-2017.