Hydrilla Control in Florida Combines Herbicides and Mechanical Harvesting

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 17:05:08 +0000

Hydrilla’s roots run deep in Florida.

After a Gulf Coast aquarium dealer had the plant shipped from Sri Lanka in the early 1950s, the stringy nuisance has cost government agencies countless millions. Hydrilla grows up to two inches a day, clogging lakes, rivers and canals that flow to the Melbourne-Tillman (C-1) canal in Palm Bay. That, in turn, raises flood risks.

So Florida water managers spray upward of $15 million worth of herbicides annually to keep the invasive plant in check on public lands — with uncertain environmental consequences. And, some hydrilla has grown resistant to herbicides making treatment more difficult.

One district will utilize a small mechanical weed harvester to harvest some hydrilla and other excess water weeds.

aquatic weed harvester Florida – Aquarius-Systems

Hydrilla Control in Florida Combines Herbicides and Mechanical Harvesting