Free Floating Weed Control
Naturally control free floating aquatic matter
- Orange Oil is best suited for the treatment of free floating aquatic matter.
- Orange Oil does not kill the aquatic matter, rather it effects the outer layers of the matter causing them to lose their buoyancy and slip below the surface of the water where they perish.
The effect of orange oil on free floating aquatic weeds
Free floating aquatic weeds are small aquatic plants that float on the water surface but are not rooted in the underwater soil. A weed is a plant growing where it is not desired. They cause damage to the environment and natural resources. The three most common types of free floating aquatic weeds are Salvinia, Duckweed (Lemna species) and Azolla (Azolla species). Salvinia is declared a Weed of National Significance (WONS) due to its invasiveness and severe environmental, economic and social impacts [1]. Although Azolla and Duckweed are native to Australia, they are considered weeds when they spread rapidly on water bodies and limiting the light and oxygen available to other aquatic life.
Impacts of Free Floating Aquatic Weeds |
|
|
Environmental |
§ Form thick mats that prevent light and oxygen from entering the water § Creates unfavourable conditions for aquatic organism § Death of submerged aquatic organisms reduces biodiversity |
|
Economic |
§ Blocks irrigation channels (intakes, pipes & pumps) increasing pumping time and cost § Blocks commercial fishing nets resulting in reduced fish production § Fences may collapse during flooding due to collection and build-up of weed |
|
Social |
§ Thick mats for mistaken for firm ground endangering children and livestock § Presents an ideal habitat for mosquito breeding § Reduces the natural beauty of open water bodies § Prevents recreational activities |
Use of Orange Oil for the Management of Salvinia, Duckweed and Azolla in Australia
- Orange oil products are suitable for the control of salvinia, azolla and duckweed in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (QLD) [1].
- The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has listed orange oil as a method to control salvinia in their control manual [1].
- In Brisbane, orange oil has been used for the successful control of primary form salvinia [1]
- The table below summarises the effectiveness of various herbicides on the growth stages of free-floating aquatic weeds, as outlined by the NSW DPI [1].
Free floating aquatic weeds are small aquatic plants that float on the water surface but are not rooted in the underwater soil. A weed is a plant growing where it is not desired. They cause damage to the environment and natural resources. The three most common types of free floating aquatic weeds are Salvinia, Duckweed (Lemna species) and Azolla (Azolla species). Salvinia is declared a Weed of National Significance (WONS) due to its invasiveness and severe environmental, economic and social impacts [1]. Although Azolla and Duckweed are native to Australia, they are considered weeds when they spread rapidly on water bodies and limiting the light and oxygen available to other aquatic life.
Impacts of Free Floating Aquatic Weeds |
|
|
Environmental |
§ Form thick mats that prevent light and oxygen from entering the water § Creates unfavourable conditions for aquatic organism § Death of submerged aquatic organisms reduces biodiversity |
|
Economic |
§ Blocks irrigation channels (intakes, pipes & pumps) increasing pumping time and cost § Blocks commercial fishing nets resulting in reduced fish production § Fences may collapse during flooding due to collection and build-up of weed |
|
Social |
§ Thick mats for mistaken for firm ground endangering children and livestock § Presents an ideal habitat for mosquito breeding § Reduces the natural beauty of open water bodies § Prevents recreational activities |
Use of Orange Oil for the Management of Salvinia, Duckweed and Azolla in Australia
- Orange oil products are suitable for the control of salvinia, azolla and duckweed in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (QLD) [1].
- The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has listed orange oil as a method to control salvinia in their control manual [1].
- In Brisbane, orange oil has been used for the successful control of primary form salvinia [1]
- The table below summarises the effectiveness of various herbicides on the growth stages of free-floating aquatic weeds, as outlined by the NSW DPI [1].
