| Identification
The stems of alligatorweed are long, branched and
hollow with 2 leaves opposite each other. The flowers
grow from the axils of the leaves. They have five white
sepals and appear as white balls. Alligatorweed is found
in ponds, lakes, streams, canals and irrigation ditches
and can form dense, sprawling mats.
Biology
Alligatorweed is usually found growing in water, it
is also capable of growing in a variety of habitats
including dry land.
History
Alligatorweed is usually found growing in water, it
is also capable of growing in a variety of habitats
including dry land.
Status
Alligatorweed should be dealt with carefully to avoid
spreading the weed to new areas because it reproduces
through stem fragments and seeds. These mats impede
water travel and flow as well as clog drains and water
intake valves. Thus, it can cause both economic and
recreational access problems.
Management
The primary method now used for control of alligatorweed
in Texas is biological control with alligatorweed flea
beetle. In 1963, their were 97,000 problem acres of
alligatorweed in the United States, however, by 1981
there was less the 1,000 problem acres. This change
is primarily due to biological control with the alligatorweed
flea beetle. Although periodic problems do arise, little
herbicide control is needed for control of alligatorweed
today, due to the control provided by Agasicles hygrophila.
Biological Control Agents
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