The 4 Stages of Salvinia: Identification and Treatment Guide
Q. Our dam is covered in Salvinia, can you recommend how we treat this and prevent it from coming back?
ANSWER:
Salvinia, an invasive free-floating aquatic fern, can quickly cover freshwater surfaces, disrupting the ecosystem. Effective management requires understanding the four growth stages and appropriate treatment plans. In this Q&A, we’ll explore each growth stage and provide insights into effective treatment.
Understanding salvinia Growth Stages for Effective Treatment and Control
1. Primary Growth Stage
In the early stages of an infestation Salvinia is not crowded. The water surface is clearly visible between plants and the plants lying flat on the surface of the water. 0-30% of the water body is covered in Salvinia.
2. Secondary Growth Stage
As Salvinia spreads, the water surface is barely visible and Salvinia is only a single layer. 30-60% of the water body is covered in Salvinia.
3. Tertiary Growth Stage
As Salvinia takes hold, the water surface is no longer visible and the Salvinia has become crowded and mature. 60-100% of the water body is covered in Salvinia.
4. Multilayered Growth Stage
This advanced stage, Salvinia has formed weed mats which are multilayered, displaying ridge-like thickenings as layers build up affecting the ecosystem below. 100%+ of the water body is covered in Salvinia.
Effective Salvinia Control at Each Growth Stage
1. Primary and Secondary Growth Stage
Treatment: Use a combination of AQ200 + Wetting Agent, Orange Oil, and a Salvinia Skimmer for effective Salvinia control.
Notes: Implement herbicide treatment with a 10-day withholding period or opt for physical removal using a Salvinia Skimmer for better results in the early growth stages.
2. Tertiary Growth Stage
Treatment: Use AQ200 + Wetting Agent along with a Salvinia Skimmer to manage the mature Salvinia growth effectively.
Notes: As Salvinia matures, treatment options become limited, but this combination can still achieve good results.
3. Multilayered Growth Stage
Treatment: Use a heavy application of AQ200 + Wetting Agent or employ a Harvesting Machine for larger water bodies to remove the bulk of the infestation.
Notes: Target any remaining Salvinia using AQ200 Herbicide + Wetting Agent for comprehensive treatment in multilayered growth stages.
Salvinia control is crucial to maintain the health and balance of aquatic environments. Understanding the growth stages and implementing appropriate treatment at each stage can help effectively manage Salvinia infestations and restore the natural balance of the ecosystem.
