Submersed plant invasions and declines in new york

Abstract

Control of nuisance species appears to be the primary goal of aquatic plant management in New York State. The three principal species of concern are Myriophyllum spicatum L. (Eurasian watermilfoil), Potamogeton crispus L. (curly pondweed), and Trapa natans L. (water chestnut). A wide range of lake types are apparently colonized by nuisance macrophyte species; these range from acidic, disturbed, oligotrophic lakes to alkaline, eutrophic lakes. Hand harvesting, mechanical harvesting, drawdown, and herbicides have been used for aquatic plant control in the state. Populations of native aquatic plants are stable to declining. There is no clear relationship between invasion of exotics and decline of native species. © 1994 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.