Alligatorweed, like many other invasive aquatic plants, displaces native plants in ditches, along banks, and in shallow water holm. Alligator weed an aquatic weed present in australian backyards. Alligator weed weed biocontrol projects manaaki whenua. Its geographic range once used to cover only the parana river region of south america, but it has since expanded. Getting rid of alligatorweed is the responsibility of any riparian or waterway manager. Management of aquatic alligator weed alternanthera. It has been utilized as biological control agent in usa since 1964 and in china since 1986. Flowers are small and white, resembling a white clover. Clint moore of the south carolina and georgia cooperative fish and wildlife research units, respectively.
In some aquatic habitats, alligator weed infestations can be reduced with weed harvesters or by manual removal, but. Awareness because the victorian community had little awareness of alligator weed, a public awareness program was important part of the project. The alligatorweed flea beetle louisiana state university. Control and spread of alligator weed alternanthera philoxeroides. American alligator alligator mississippiensis ecology in by. Alligator weed alternanthera philoxeroides is an argentinean plant that was first reported in australia in the 1940s and has since spread along the east coast. When growing in terrestrial conditions, this species can survive without any water for several months gunasekera and adair, 2000. In the present study, we report the effects of beetle herbivory and nematode infection on alligator weed, alternanthera philoxeroides, an invasive plant in china. Alternanthera philoxeroides ufifas center for aquatic and. Since 1996 he has been working on alligator weed and other aquatic weeds at the department of primary industries in victoria.
Bionomics of an alligatorweed flea beetle, agasicles sp. Despite these efforts, the insect is absent from many invasive. Alligator weed can be mistaken for other species, such as lesser joy weed alternanthera denticulata, an australian native. The word competition comes from the latin word competere, which means to ask or sue for the same things another does.
Pdf characterising alligator weed alternanthera philoxeroides. Alligator weed can grow in a variety of habitats, although it is usually found in water. Lalith gunasekera started as a research scientist for alligator weed at the department of natural resources in queensland. It can also tolerate certain amounts of sea water when growing in flowing water. Its also a littleknown edible thought it is in the amaranth clan. Originally introduced into australia in the 1940s, it has spread over more than 4000 ha. Alligator population ecology my dissertation research is examining population ecology of the american alligator alligator mississippiensis in south c arol ina under the advisement of dr. As a weed that can grow both on land and in water and can tolerate a range of control methods, alligator weed has serious impacts worldwide and in australia see nsw weedwise for information about alligator weed. Alligatorweed alternanthera philoxeroides, also spelled alligator weed, hails from south america but has been widely spread to the warmer regions of the united states. These depressions provide an aquatic refuge for alligators and other aquatic organisms, nest sites for other reptiles, and colonization sites for plants in the everglades. Awrc0853 the information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions.
This plant and the related entity italicized and indented above can be weedy or invasive according to the authoritative sources noted below. The evolutionary ecology of weeds and invasive plants 7 8. Clint moore of the south carolina and georgia cooperative fish. Plant community composition of plots without alligator weed differed significantly from invaded. The evolutionary ecology of weeds and invasive plants. Beggs1 and quentin paynter2 1school of biological sciences, tamaki campus, university of auckland, private bag 92019, auckland 1142, new zealand 2landcare research, private bag 92170, auckland 1142, new zealand. Biological control of alligator weed alternanthera philoxeroides mart. As a weed that can grow both on land and in water and can tolerate a range of control methods, alligator weed has serious impacts worldwide and in australia see nsw weedwise for information about alligator weed this control manual brings together information and advice. It is also listed as an invasive species in australia, new zealand, china and thailand. D in the control of water hyacinth and alligator weed in the mississippi delta, with certain ecological implications willis a. Alligator weed is an herb that occurs throughout florida and flowers in the warm months. Foliage opposite, elliptical leaves are thick but nonsucculent and are up to 4 in. Chrysomelidea, figure 1c is a strictly specialized leaf. This fastgrowing weed can grow both on land and in water, where it forms floating mats.
American alligator alligator mississippiensis ecology in inland wetlands of east texas by david thomas saalfeld, master of science presented to the faculty of the graduate school of stephen f. In contrast, it exhibited poor growth in upland fields and parks, where the terrestrial ecotype was dominated by 611 other alien plant species. Julien3 summary the ecoevolutionary mechanisms of biological invasions are still not thoroughly understood. Alligatorweed is a federal noxious weed and a prohibited or noxious plant in arizona, california, florida, and south carolina usda, nrcs, 1999. Alligator weed performed well in wetland and riparian habitats, where it was so competitive that only one. When left untreated, alligator weed can make access to the shoreline difficult.
Alternanthera philoxeroides, commonly referred to as alligator weed, is a native species to the temperate regions of south america, which includes argentina, brazil, paraguay and uruguay. Austin state university in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of doctor of philosophy stephen f. Physical removal of alligator weed is possible, but not usually 100% successful in eradicating the weed because the plant is able to regrow and propagate from stem fragments alone. Differences in ecological and allelopathic traits among. Beggs1 and quentin paynter2 1school of biological sciences, tamaki campus, university of auckland, private bag 92019, auckland 1142, new zealand 2landcare research, private bag 92170, auckland 1142, new. Characterising alligator weed alternanthera philoxeroides. Alligatorweed roots readily along waterways and then grows over the water surface as an anchored floating plant. It has smooth stems that trail along the ground or out across. Mississippi state university, geosystems research institute box 9652, mississippi state, ms 397629652 ph. Amaranthaceae invasion at a northern new zealand lake imogen bassett1, quentin paynter2, robin hankin3 and jacqueline r. In small infestations, manual removal of floating aquatic plants is. Alligator weed poses an extreme threat to waterways, wetlands and irrigated crop lands from cape york to queenslands southern border. Argentina alone, hosts around 27 species that fall within the range of the genus alternanthera.
Impact assessment alligator weed alternanthera philoxeroides in victoria nox back table feedback assessment of plant invasiveness is done by evaluating biological and ecological characteristics such as germination requirements, growth rate, competitive ability, reproduction methods and dispersal mechanisms. Alternanthera philoxeroides alligator weed circabc. Uses, benefits, cures, side effects, nutrients in alligator weed. Alligator weed is also managed by either manual or mechanical removal methods. The plant tends to grow in or near water but can also grow on dry land. The aquatic alligator weed flea beetle agasicles hygrophila, has been quite successful in controlling alligator weed growing in the water. Competition in ecology involves two or more organisms seeking for a particular factor, thing or. There are currently no biological control methods of eradication rather than goats which can keep the plant under control by feeding on the weed. Alligator weed control manual nsw department of primary. Alligator weed litter decomposed significantly faster than either of two native.
Pdf invasive weeds have been shown to alter ecosystem processes such as decomposition and nutrient cycling. Alligator weed is an invasive aquatic weed that originated from south america and is known for forming dense mats on water surfaces that hinder recreational water activities. A native to south america, alligator weed is a very di. Cen11 1 september, 2008 land and water australia, defeating the weed menace programme. These floating islands also referred to as tussocks. Alligator weed department of the environment and energy. Decomposition dynamics of invasive alligator weed compared. The alligator weed battle in victoria, proceedings of 12th australian weeds conference, hobart, australia, september 12 to 16, 1999. Pdf decomposition dynamics of invasive alligator weed compared.
Alligator weed affects water flow, water quality, native plants and native animals, and has major economic and social impacts. Alligator weed has been regarded by some as the worlds worst weed because of how easily the plant outcompetes native plant species. How alligator weed is effective for various diseases is listed in repertory format. Sometimes it forms sprawling mats over deep rivers, or along shorelines. Invasion by alligator weed, alternanthera philoxeroides. Effects of agasicles hygrophila on alligator weed growth week 1 1 teacher lead discussion on biocontrol 2 pair students into teams of 2.
Alligator weed not a vegetable alligator weed alternanthera philoxeroides is an aggressive noxious plant that invades australias waterways, wetlands and. Alligator weed alternanthera philoxeroides summary alligator weed alternanthera philoxeroides is a perennial aquatic and semiaquatic plant native to tropical and subtropical south america. Control and spread of alligator weed, alternanthera philoxeroides, in australia. Names of alligator weed in various languages of the world are also given.
Alligatorweed aquatic mississippi state university. Invasion by alligator weed, alternanthera philoxeroides, is. Biological control and ecology of cabomba and alligator weed. Alligator weed was new story for victorians, because they havent seen this before. In waterways, it can grow from plant fragments dispersed from a parent infestation and produce new infestations downstream. Several herbicides that now provide better control include. In the waikato region, alligator weed is found in the waikato river, on several farms, in market gardens and on urban. Plants profile for alternanthera philoxeroides alligatorweed. This plant may be known by one or more common names in different places, and some are listed above. Control and spread of alligator weed alternanthera philoxeroides mart. Alligator weed alternanthera philoxeroides is considered to be one of the. But now alligator weed is found in the same waters as alligators, and many other places as well. Alligator weed, alternanthera phyloxoides, is an exotic plant from south america that is classified as an invasive weed in the united states. Alligatorweed geosystems research institute mississippi state.
Alligator weed can be cut or grazed, but it is difficult to control physically because it will propagate from stem fragments or the roots. Chapter 1 alligatorweed biological control of invasive. Introduced into the united states around 1894, it is an invasive weed in many states. Stems of alligator weed are hollow and may vein up to 4 feet in length. Weed competition with crops is a part of weed ecology. Biological control and ecology of cabomba and alligator weed publication no. These physical approaches require the complete excavation of all above and below ground alligator weed to prevent regrowth sainty et al. Alligator weed infesting river, excessive growth of a. Like dense, floating mats of eichhornia crassipes, a. Until recently, herbicides have had very limited short term and no long term effectiveness. Weed ecology is thus concerned with growth characteristics and adaptations. Alligator weed is a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the biosecurity act 2014. Distribution of alligator weed and its biological control by agasicles hygrophila.
Alternanthera philoxeroides ufifas center for aquatic. Alligator weed herb uses, benefits, cures, side effects. Alligator weedan aquatic weed present in australian backyards. Alligator weed, alternanthera philoxeroides martius gisebach amaranthaceae, is a plant native to south. Native to south america, alligator weed, alternanthera philoxeroides, is a worldwide invasive weed whose distribution spans tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions across a wide latitudinal gradient, approximately from 42s to 37n including american, australia, new zealand, southeast asian, india and china julien et al. It must not be given away, sold, or released into the environment. Effects of agasicles hygrophila on alligator weed growth. Weed biology is related to the study of weeds in relation to their geographical distribution, habitat, growth, population dynamics and communities. Alligator weed control manual department of primary. Alligator weed eat the weeds and other things, too. The adults and larvae reduce the growth of alligator weed by.
Alligator weed can survive in tropical and subtropical regions. Alligator weed is a restricted invasive plant under the biosecurity act 2014. Another alligator weed agent bites the dust pdf file, 710. Alligator weed is a particularly hard weed to eradicate because it invades both land and water. Alligator weed is one of the greatest threats to waterways, wetlands, floodplains and irrigation systems in australia. Biological control and ecology of alligator weed shon schooler and mic julien project no. Description alligator weed is a creeping, perennial weed that forms in dense mats or long strands along the waters shoreline. Beggs1 1school of biological sciences, university of auckland, private bag 92019, auckland 1142, new zealand 2landcare research, private bag 92170. We also examined the relationship between native vegetation and other exotic vegetation at the site. Eradication and suppression of alligator weed in australia, nsw dpi, orange.
On the other hand, ecology is the interrelationship between organisms and their environment. Alligator holes are excavated from the muck and peat that make up the everglades soil, often down to the limestone bed. At this time there is no available biological control for alligator weed. Appearance alternanthera philoxeroides is an emergent or rooted floating plant that invades aquatic areas and adjoining uplands throughout the southern portions of the united states. If not controlled, the weed can completely cover the surface of water bodies and wetlands, affecting native flora and. Alternanthera philoxeroides erss us fish and wildlife service. Control and spread of alligator weed alternanthera.