1. The biological control of aquatic weeds in South Africa: Current status and future challenges.
- Author
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Hill, Martin P. and Coetzee, Julie
- Subjects
- *
AQUATIC weed control , *BIOLOGICAL weed control , *WATER hyacinth , *WATER lettuce , *PARROT'S-feather (Plant) , *PLANTS - Abstract
Background: Aquatic ecosystems in South Africa are prone to invasion by several invasive alien aquatic weeds, most notably, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub. (Pontederiaceae) (water hyacinth); Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae) (water lettuce); Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitch. (Salviniaceae) (salvinia); Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell. Conc.) Verd. (parrot's feather); and Azolla filiculoides Lam. (Azollaceae) (red water fern). Objective: We review the biological control programme on waterweeds in South Africa. Results: Our review shows significant reductions in the extent of invasions, and a return on biodiversity and socio-economic benefits through the use of this method. These studies provide justification for the control of widespread and emerging freshwater invasive alien aquatic weeds in South Africa. Conclusions: The long-term management of alien aquatic vegetation relies on the correct implementation of biological control for those species already in the country and the prevention of other species entering South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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