Overview
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a perennial plant of the Pontederiaceae family. Found naturally in tropical and subtropical regions, water hyacinth was introduced to the United States in 1884. Water hyacinth quickly attained weed status, invading rivers, canals, ponds and lakes. Water hyacinth has both anchored and free-floating varieties.
Features
Both floating and anchored water hyacinth varieties have glossy green, round leaves that can reach up to 10 inches across. Both water hyacinth species produce large pale lilac to blue-purple flowers with distinctive yellow spots.
Diseases
Water hyacinth plants are susceptible to several leaf spot disease, primarily those caused by the Myrothecium roridum and the Cercospora piaropi pathogens.
Effects
The Myrothecium roridum pathogen causes narrow bands to form from the infection site to the tip of the leaves. Cercospora piaropi causes brown spots to form around the infection site on the leaves.
Other Problems
Water hyacinth are vulnerable to attacks from weeveils (Neochetina eichhorniae), pyralid moths (Niphograpta albiguttalis) and mites (Orthogalumna terebrantis).
Significance
The weevils, moths and mites are often purposely released in order to naturally control the water hyacinth weed. These biocontrol agents generally take between 2 to 6 years to effectively control water hyacinth growth.
- Leaf Spot Disease of Water Hyacinth
- Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
- Invasive.org: Water Hyacinth
Keywords:
water hyacinth disease, invasive plant control, pond weeds
About this Author
Cat Carson has been a writer, editor and researcher for the past decade. She has professional experience in a variety of media, including the Internet, newspapers, newsletters and magazines. Her work has appeared on websites like eHow.com and GardenGuides.com, among others. Carson holds a master’s degrees in writing and cultural anthropology, and is currently working on her doctoral degree in psychology.
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