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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Invasive Species and Pollinator Health » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #360296
Research Project: Enhancing Water Resources Stewardship through Aquatic and Riparian Weed Management

Location: Invasive Species and Pollinator Health

Title: Eurasian milfoil

Author
item Madsen, John

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/11/2018
Publication Date: 7/1/2020
Citation: Madsen, J.D. 2020. Eurasian milfoil. Book Chapter. 2.3:35-38.

Interpretive Summary: Eurasian watermilfoil is an exotic aquatic weed that is widely distributed throughout North America. The species is most commonly associated with problems in temperate lakes, but invades tidal estuaries, saline prairie lakes, rivers and southern reservoirs as well. Although the economic impact of Eurasian watermilfoil is not as great as that of hydrilla or waterhyacinth, its geographic and ecological distribution surpasses that of other North American aquatic weeds. In fact, problems associated with Eurasian watermilfoil are significant enough that states such as Idaho, Minnesota, Vermont and Washington have developed specific management programs to control invasions of Eurasian watermilfoil.

Technical Abstract: The biology, ecology, and management of Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) is summarized in this chapter. No appropriate operational biological control options are as yet available. Chemical control options include 2,4-D, diquat, endothall, florpyrauxifen-benzyl, fluridone, and triclopyr. Harvesting and diver-operated suction removal are common mechanical control techniques. Physical control options include winter drawdown, shading, and benthic barriers.