Progress 03/30/01 to 03/29/05
Outputs
Invasive aquatic weeds such as cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana), Eurasian milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), and variable milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) threaten Connecticut lakes. Experiments were conducted on controlling these weeds with herbicides, mechanical cutting and hydroraking. Control of cabomba was tested in Lake Quonnipaug, Guilford, CT with fluridone SRP (slow release pellets) and Q (quick release pellets). Fluridone SRP was applied to two acres of cabomba in the north cove. Successful control, albeit slow, occurred after about three months. Water testing for fluridone found concentrations were greatest 6-10 weeks after treatment. During this period fluridone often exceeded 5 ppb, a level thought necessary for weed control. Regrowth in the treatment area was slow but steady over the next three years and by 2005 the abundance of cabomba was near pretreatment levels. In 2004, the south cove in Lake Quonnipaug was treated with the quick acting pelletized
fluridone Q. Within two weeks, bleaching of the tips of the cabomba was evident and by mid-July most cabomba had turned brown. By mid-August, regrowth of the cabomba was evident. Surveys for found coverage of cabomba was 48% before treatment and 39% after treatment. In 2005, the cabomba appeared at least as abundant as before treatment. This experiment suggests that quick release fluridone releases too rapidly to adequately control cabomba. An underwater electric cutter was tested for controlling Eurasian milfoil in a swimming area. One cutting just prior to opening of beach effectively controlled the plant for the entire season. Hydroraking of the south cove proved ineffective as populations of invasive plants increases probably because of the disturbance. Tests on controlling variable milfoil with granular 2,4-D were performed in Bashan Lake, East Haddam, CT. Each year 2,4-D was applied to various locations. Initially, a spring application of 200 kg/ha was employed with excellent
control. Tests on lowering the rate to 100 kg/ha proved equally effective. In response to peoples' desire to avoid herbicide application during the time of major lake usage, experiments were conducted on using 2,4-D in September. Again, control was equally effective. An underwater camera system was developed to locate milfoil in previously unknown areas that continue to require control. Monitoring of shallow drinking water wells, in close proximity to the treatment sites, found no detections of 2,4-D. Tests were performed on the control of Eurasian milfoil, sago pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata), curly leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) and coontail (Cerataphyllum demersum) in Grannis Lake, East Haven, CT. Liquid fluridone was applied at a rate of 10-20 ppb in June 2003. By August 2003, control of all plants except Sago pondweed appeared excellent. An aquatic plant survey performed in June 2004 confirmed the poor control of Sago pondweed and found a population of curly leaf pondweed
similar to that occurring prior to treatment in 2003. This was likely because the 2003 fluridone application occurred after the curly leaf pondweed had set turions for the following years plants.
Impacts
Lake managers can obtain localized control of the exotic invasive aquatic weeds cabomba, Eurasian milfoil and variable milfoil with the herbicides Sonar SRP (fluridone) and Navigate (2,4-D). Aplication of liguid fluridone at concentrations of 10-20 ppb provides control of Eurasian milfoil, coontail, and water lilies, while the control of sago pondweed is questionable. Underwater electric cutters can control invasive plants in swim areas. Control of variable milfoil can be obtained with applications of granular 2,4-D in spring or late summer. The long-term benefit is cleaner lakes and ponds.
Publications
- Bugbee, G.J. and J.C. White. 2005. Control of cabomba and Eurasian milfoil in Lake Quonnipaug with fluridone and 2,4-D-2001. CT Agric. Expt. Sta. Bull. 998.
- Bugbee, G.J. and J.C. White. 2005. Control of cabomba and Eurasian milfoil in Lake Quonnipaug with fluridone and 2,4-D-2002. CT Agric. Expt. Sta. Bull. 1002.
- Bugbee, G.J. and J.C. White. 2005. Adiagnostic feasibility study of Moodus rservoir, East Haddam, CT: Water chemistry, aquatic vegetation survey and management options - 2002. CT Agric. Expt. Sta. Bull. 999.
- Capers, R.S., G.J. Bugbee, R. Selsky and J.C. White. 2005. Invasive aquatic plants in Connecticut. CT Agric. Expt. Sta. Bull. 997.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Invasive aquatic weeds such as cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana), Eurasian milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), and variable milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) threaten Connecticut lakes. Experiments were conducted on localized control of these weeds with the herbicides fluridone and 2,4-D. Studies on control of cabomba were conducted in the south cove of Lake Quonnipaug, Guilford, CT with Sonar Q (fluridone) quick release pellets. A previous study with Sonar SRP (slow release pellets) found good good control for several years but control in the application year was not apparent until late in the season. Better first season control ight be achieved with a faster acting formulation. In June, Sonar Q was applied to two acres of cabomba at a rate of 20 kg/ha. Two weeks later the application was repeated. Within two weeks of the first application, bleaching of the tips of the cabomba was evident and by mid-July most cabomba had turned brown. By mid-August, regrowth of the
cabomba was evident, indicating that sufficient energy remained in the cabomba to regenerate the plant. Surveys for cabomba found coverage of cabomba was 48% before treatment and 39% after treatment. This experiment suggests that quick release Sonar pellets release too rapidly to adequately control cabomba. Test on controlling variable milfoil with Navigate (2,4-D) were performed in Bashan Lake, East Haddam, CT. 2,4-D was applied at a rate of 100 kg/ha on late September 29, 2004. A survey six weeks later found control to be generally good. Surveillance of Bashan Lake with underwater cameras has identified areas of variable milfoil in portions of the lake previously not known to support the plant. Long-term control will not likely be successful if these areas are allowed to repopulate treated areas with plants. Tests of shallow drinking water wells, in close proximity to the treatment sites, found no 2,4-D. Tests were continued on the control of Eurasian milfoil, sago pondweed
(Stuckenia pectinata), curly leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) and coontail (Cerataphyllum demersum) in Grannis Lake, East Haven, CT. Liquid fluridone was applied at a rate of 10-20 ppb in June 2003. By August 2003, control of all plants except Sago pondweed appeared excellent. An aquatic plant survey performed in June 2004 confirmed the poor control of Sago pondweed and found a population of curly leaf pondweed similar to that occurring prior to treatment in 2003. This was likely because the 2003 fluridone application occurred after the curly leaf pondweed had set turions for the following years plants. Eurasian milfoil and coontail were nearly completely controlled. This study demonstrates the difficulty in controlling a variety of aquatic weeds with widely different lifecycles.
Impacts
Lake managers can obtain localized control of the exotic invasive aquatic weeds cabomba, Eurasian milfoil and variable milfoil with the herbicides Sonar SRP (fluridone) and Navigate (2,4-D). Aplication of liguid fluridone at concentrations of 10-20 ppb provides control of Eurasian milfoil, coontail, and water lilies while the control of sago pondweed is questionable. The long-term benefit is cleaner lakes and ponds.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Connecticut is home to over 3000 lakes and ponds. These bodies of fresh water are one of the state's most important natural resources. Invasive aquatic weeds threaten this resource. Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana), Eurasian milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), and variable milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) are three aquatic plants of great concern. Experiments were conducted on controlling these weeds with herbicides. Studies on control of Cabomba were conducted in Lake Quonnipaug, Guilford, CT with Sonar SRP (fluridone) staring in 2001. Cabomba was successfully controlled however by 2003 some regrowth had begun. Begining in 1999, Navigate (2,4-D) was applied to large areas of milfoil Bashan Lake, East Haddam, CT. In 2002 and 2003 the rate of Navigate was lowered from 200 to 100 pounds per acre. Control in protected coves was excellent but in more open areas was sporadic. Fall application of Navigate was performed in 2002 and 2003 with generally excellent control.Testing
the lake water for 2,4-D found levels exceed the irrigation standard of 100 ppb for less than a month. Monitoring of shallow drinking water wells, in close proximity to the treatment sites, found no detections of 2,4-D. Tests on the effectiveness of liquid fluridone for controlling Eurasian milfoil, sago pondweed, curley leaf pondweed and coontail were started in Grannis Lake, East Haven. Fluridone was applied at a rate of 10-20 ppb in June. In July, as concentrations fell, additional fluridone was applied. Control of all plants except Sago pondweed appeared excellent by late August.
Impacts
Lake managers can obtain localized control of the exotic invasive aquatic weeds cabomba, Eurasian milfoil and variable milfoil with the herbicides Sonar SRP (fluridone) and Navigate (2,4-D). Aplication of liguid fluridone at concentrations of 10-20 ppb provides control of Eurasian milfoil, coontail, and water lilies while the control of sago pondweed is questionable. The long-term benefit is cleaner lakes and ponds.
Publications
- 2002 G. J. Bugbee and J. C. White. Control of Milfoil in Bashan Lake 2002. CAES Report to CTDEP, Town of East Haddam, Bashan Lake Association. 40 pp.
- 2002 G. J. Bugbee. Control of Aquatic Weeds Lake Quonnipaug 2002. CAES Report to CTDEP and Town of Guilford. 39 pp.
- 2002 G. J. Bugbee and J. C. White. Moodus Reservoir: Diagnostic Feasibilty Study 2002. CAES Report to CTDEP and Town of East Haddam. 60 pp.
- 2003 G. J. Bugbee, J. C. White and Water J. Krol. Control of variable milfoil in Bashan Lake, CT with 2,4-D: Monitoring of lake and well water. J. Aquatic Plant Manage.. 41: 18-25.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Connecticut is home to over 3000 lakes and ponds. These bodies of fresh water are one of the state's most important natural resources. Exotic invasive aquatic weeds threaten this resource. Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana), Eurasian milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), and variable milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) are three aquatic weeds of great concern. Experiments were conducted on controlling these weeds with herbicides. Spot applications are preferable to whole lake treatments because chemical usage is reduced, areas containing desirable plants are avoided and exposure to humans and wildlife is minimized. Studies on control of Cabomba were conducted in Lake Quonnipaug, Guilford, CT with Sonar SRP (fluridone) staring in 2001. Cabomba was successfully controlled with only minor regrowth in 2002. Begining in 1999, Navigate (2,4-D) was applied to large areas of milfoil Bashan Lake, East Haddam, CT. In 2002 the rate of Navigate was lowered from 200 to 75 pounds per acre.
Control in protected coves was excellent but in more open areas sporadic regrowth occurred. Testing the lake water for 2,4-D found levels exceed the irrigation standard of 100 ppb for less than a month. Monitoring of shallow drinking water wells, in close proximity to the treatment sites, found no detections of 2,4-D.
Impacts
Lake managers can obtain localized control of the exotic invasive aquatic weeds cabomba, Eurasian milfoil and variable milfoil with the herbicides Sonar SRP (fluridone) and Navigate (2,4-D).
Publications
- Bugbee GJ, JC White, and WJ Krol. 2003 (in press) Control of Variable Watermilfoil in a Bashan Lake, CT with 2,4-D: Monitoring of Lake and Well Water. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Connecticut is home to over 3000 lakes and ponds. These bodies of fresh water are one of the state's most important natural resources. Exotic invasive aquatic weeds threaten this resource. Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana), Eurasian milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), and variable milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) are three aquatic weeds of great concern. Experiments were conducted on controlling these weeds with herbicides. Spot applications are preferable to whole lake treatments because chemical usage is reduced, areas containing desirable plants are avoided and exposure to humans and wildlife is minimized. Studies on control of Cabomba and Eurasian milfoil were conducted in Lake Quonnipaug, Guilford, CT. Sonar SRP (fluridone) was applied to two acres of Cabomba and Navigate (2,4-D) was applied to _ acres of milfoil. Both weeds were successfully controlled. Control of cabomba took about three months while milfoil disappeared in 6 weeks. Water testing for fluridone
found concentrations were greatest 6-10 weeks after treatment. During this period fluridone often exceeded 5 ppb, a level thought necessary for weed control. Water testing for 2,4-D in treatment sites found levels below 100 ppb throughout the season. Five acres of variable milfoil was treated in Bashan Lake, East Haddam, CT with spot treatments of Navigate. Control was excellent, with little trace of the weed 4 weeks after treatment. Testing the lake water for 2,4-D found levels exceed the irrigation standard of 100 ppb only once. Monitoring of shallow drinking water wells, in close proximity to the treatment sites, found no detections of 2,4-D.
Impacts
Lake managers can obtain localized control of the exotic invasive aquatic weeds cabomba, Eurasian milfoil and variable milfoil with the herbicides Sonar SRP (fluridone) and Navigate (2,4-D).
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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