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.