Hydrilla invasion and interactions

with Vallisneria
Katia Engelhardt
Appalachian Lab
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
In collaboration with former students Todd Chadwell and Lauren McChesney
and the Maryland National Estuarine Research Reserve
Rooted submersed perennial monocot that is .
From appalachianohioweeds.org
native to tropical Asia
www.discoverlife.org
Canopy-forming forms thick mats at water surface
Lives in mostly freshwater habitats
Cayuga Inlet Cornell Cooperative Extension
Grows to depths > 7m in clear water
Highly polymorphic; dioecious or monoecious
biotypes
Asexual reproduction when plant fragments, tubers,
roots and turions develop into new plants
Sexual reproduction in late summer. Seeds have a
50% chance of establishing.
Invasive
Grows under lower light conditions than any
other species (needs only 1% of sunlight).
No coevolved natural enemies to keep it in
check.
Has several dispersal strategies: fragments,
turions, tubers, seeds.
Grows rapidly
Listed as a
noxious weed
= any plant designated by a federal, state or
county government as injurious to public
health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, or
property.
Hydrilla invasion at
Otter Point Creek, MD
Summer 2002 vegetation density
Hydrilla impacts on ecosystem
Slows down currents and buffers wave energy.
Enhances water clarity
Tends to enhance production of small fishes.
Can increase dissolved oxygen concentration
but reduces oxygen circulation and can result
in fish kills.
Can be a nuisance because it can block
boating channels and limit water sports.
May enhance habitat for native submersed
species, but may also displace species.
Lauren McChesney MS thesis
In the field,
plastic plants
physically
captured
Hydrilla.
Propagule
pressure
increased the
chances of
establishment.
Chadwell and Engelhardt 2008, J. Ecology
Does restoration of a Vallisneria slow
down the invasion of Hydrilla?
In greenhouse,
Vallisneria
decreased
Hydrilla
establishment
through nutrient
draw-down in
closed
mesocosms.
Chadwell and Engelhardt 2008, J. Ecology
Lauren McChesney MS thesis
Vallisneria versus Hydrilla
Lauren McChesney MS thesis
Vallisneria versus Hydrilla
Vallisneria has the ability to curb the
establishment and growth of
Hydrilla.
Hydrilla can facilitate the
establishment of Vallisneria.
But, Hydrilla will also compete with
Vallisneria and other native plants.
In summary
Management strategies
Aggressive public education
Management strategies
Bring back competitors:
enhance water quality
reintroduce Vallisneria and other native plant
species.
Photo credit: Robert Burnett
Management strategies
Aggressive herbicide policy:
Hard to implement in tidal rivers where water level
changes constantly.
Can be toxic to other organisms.
Can lead to resistance.
Management strategies
Mechanical removal:
Mechanical cutting produces fragments that can
disperse and make the problem even worse.
Effective in isolated areas where fragments can be
controlled.
Minnetonka Lake Weed Harvesting Service
From plants.ifas.ufl.edu
Management strategies
Biocontrol: Problem with introducing another
non-native to control a non-native. Big
problem if the biocontrol agent gets out of
control and impacts other parts of the
ecosystem.
Eradication
Rare and not well documented
Need to start as soon as the invasion is
detected
Recommend a Hydrilla management task force