Grow Big Fish:

Control and manage aquatic weeds

Spring has arrived, with water temperatures quickly on the rise. Not only will the succession of spawns continue as the water warms incrementally, aquatic vegetation will begin to grow at the same rate — if not faster. Depending on the water clarity, available nutrients and water depth, different types of aquatic vegetation will flourish in southern ponds from the surface to the bottom. Vegetation should be monitored and controlled when needed.Aquatic vegetation can be viewed from two opposing viewpoints. On a positive note, aquatic weeds throughout all depths provide cover, hosts for aquatic invertebrates and habitat for sunfish and bass. But unfortunately, certain species of aquatic plants will proliferate over-powering the positive attributes. Ponds weeds must be monitored to determine which types of weeds should be controlled.

Before introducing chemical herbicides or biological treatments, nuisance weeds should be identified. County extension agents can identify nuisance weeds to pond owners determine the appropriate herbicide and application rate. While some aquatic herbicides are selective, most will control a variety of species varieties.

With summer conditions arriving, southern ponds with aquatic weed problems will grow out of control in a hurry. Pond owners should control their nuisance aquatic weeds beginning in May before the weeds proliferate out of control. Aquatic vegetation nuisances can lead to poor access, poor fishability, and extensive fish kills.