Salvinia Quick Treatment Reference Guide

Salvinia (salvinia molesta) is present in all Australian mainland states but is more common in NSW and QLD. It is an introduced species that is extremely invasive. It can form dense mats that cover the entire water surface in freshwater systems.

Salvinia is a free floating fern that is made up of pairs of oval, green to brown leaves connected by a horizontal stem. When infolded their appearance has been compared to the wings of a butterfly.

Primary Growth Stage: 0-30% of the water body is covered in Salvinia
Primary growth occurs in the early stages of an infestation, when plants are not crowded.

Secondary Growth Stage: 30-60% of the water body is covered in Salvinia
Secondary growth occurs when the water surface is barely visible but the Salvinia is still only a single layer

Tertiary Growth Stage: 60-100% of the water body is covered in Salvinia
Tertiary growth occurs when the plants become crowded and mature in infestation. Overlapping is common.

Multilayered Growth Stage: 100%+ of the water body is covered in Salvinia (mature & overlapping growth)
Tertiary weed mats become multilayered, displaying ridge-like thickenings as layers overlap and build up.

Once you have categorised your Salvinia bloom, you can then choose your treatment.
Use the table below to help you:

TREATMENTS AQUATIC TECHNOLOGIES OFFER:

Chemical Herbicide Treatment: AQ200 + Wetting Agent

1L of AQ200 + 500mL Wetting Agent will treat between 250m² – 500m² of surface area
depending on how dense the Salvinia growth is.

Tips for treatment:

• If Salvinia is greater than 60% surface coverage and/or is multilayered, AQ200 is the
  only treatment method that will work.
• AQ200 is a 1-hit application that requires no follow up. Spot treat any new Salvinia with AQ200 as needed.
• Using a gentle shower spray, spray the AQ200 + Wetting Agent evenly to make contact with the Salvinia.
  When multilayered, make sure to well wet the Salvinia with AQ200 to get good coverage.
• AQ200 is a non-residual herbicide that has a strict 10-day withholding period after use. DO NOT use the
  water for human consumption, irrigation, livestock watering, etc. for 10 days after application.
• In 1997, the APVMA implemented new regulations regarding the usage of Glyphosate in aquatic
  environments within Australia. These regulations stipulated that Glyphosate is no longer permitted for use in
  treating weeds that grow in or over bodies of water in Australia. Furthermore, the application of Glyphosate
  via spraying across open water surfaces or allowing Glyphosate to enter bodies of water is strictly prohibited.
  Instead, Glyphosate may only be used for the treatment of dry drains and channels, as well as the dry margins
  of dams, lakes, and streams. Additionally, users must ensure that water does not return to these treated areas
  within a 4-day period after application. Therefore, using Glyphosate herbicides in water is not permitted. Only
  use an approved aquatic herbicide like AQ200 in such cases.

Orange Oils: Natural Treatments

1L of Orange Oil will treat between 250² – 500m² of surface area
depending on the Salvinia coverage.

Tips for treatment:

• Suitable for lower level infestations up to 60% surface coverage. For large infestations greater than 60%
  coverage, consider AQ200 or physical removal.
• Orange Oil is a natural herbicide that won’t alter the water and has no withholding period. The water can
  be used immediately after application.
• Orange Oil requires a minimum of 3 separate applications, on day 1, day 2, and day 4. It’s advised to do
  several light applications, instead of a single heavy dose.

Physical Removal: Salvinia Skimmers

Tips for treatment:
Physically removing Salvinia from the water’s surface with an Salvinia Skimmer will reduce the likelihood of
future blooms by decreasing the total amount of nutrients in your waterbody. Nutrient-rich water lets aquatic
vegetation thrive, meaning you may experience repeat infestations of unwanted Salvinia or other aquatic weeds.
Easily remove Salvinia from your water body in 5 steps:

1. Toss the skimmer in the water
2. Slowly pull it back in using the string attached
3. Dump the Salvinia out onto the bank or into a container for easy transport
4. Repeat
5. Follow-up spot spraying with either AQ200 or Orange Oil herbicide is recommended.