Ecological life histories of the three aquatic nuisance plants, Myriophyllum spicatum, Potamogeton crispus and Elodea canadensis

Abstract

The life histories of Myriophyllum spicatum L., Elodea canadensis Michx., and Potamogeton crispus L., serious aquatic nuisances in many regions of the world, are reviewed to provide insights into the life style of successful aquatic nuisance plants. Specifically, their distribution and spread in North America; their life cycle, productive and reproductive potential; and their ecosystem relationships are reviewed. Hopefully this review will improve a manager's ability to deal with aquatic nuisance problems. It also provides suggestions for basic research needed to develop more effective management practices.It was found that all three species possess a number of adaptations, including an ability to rapidly propagate vegetatively, an opportunistic nature for obtaining nutrients, a life cycle that favors cool weather, and a number of mechanisms which enhance photosynthetic efficiency, which allow them to proliferate.These three species do provide benefits to the ecosystem through their roles in materials cycling and energy flow. Therefore, management of these species should take an integrated approach which recognizes these benefits.The life history information available about the three species varies tremendously; however, a better understanding of resource gain and allocation is needed to manage all three species. Specifically, more research is needed to provide a better understanding of: 1) the role bicarbonate plays in photosynthesis, 2) the role roots play in supplying CO2 to the plants, 3) resource accumulation and allocation under different temperature and light regimes, 4) resource allocation on a seasonal basis, and 5) nutrient cycling under different management regimes.

Effects of warming on Potamogeton crispus growth and tissue stoichiometry in the growing season

“…It is most common in nutrient rich hard waters (Bolduan et al, 1994), and considered a pioneer species in the restoration of eutrophic lakes (Wu et al, 2009). Turions of P. crispus germinate in the fall when the temperature goes down (Catling and Dobson, 1985;Nichols and Shaw, 1986), then overwinter with little growth (Tobiessen and Snow, 1984). P. crispus grow fast in early spring while the water temperature is still low (10-15 • C).…”

Sample Size Requirements for Estimating Species Richness of Aquatic Vegetation in Iowa Lakes

“…Similarly, star duckweed and narrowleaf arrowhead were only observed in impoundments, and Eurasian watermilfoil was only found in impoundments and surface mines. These same species are common in natural lakes in other portions of their distribution (Moyle 1945, Beal and Thieret 1986, Nichols and Shaw 1986, Gleason et al 2003 and Eurasian watermilfoil is present in at least one natural lake and one oxbow lake in Iowa (Phillips 2001). Many of the distributional patterns associated with one of the categories may also be confounded with one or both of the other categories.…”

Twenty-first century climate change and submerged aquatic vegetation in a temperate estuary: the case of Chesapeake Bay

“…There is some information regarding the impacts of warming on native and non-native species of freshwater plants in the Chesapeake Bay. Myriophyllum spicatum, a non-native species, has a broad temperature range with optimal photosynthesis between 30°C and 35°C (Barko and Smart 1981;Nichols and Shaw 1986). Similarly, net photosynthesis of Potamogeton crispus, another non-native species, is also highest around 30°C (Nichols and Shaw 1986).…”

“…Myriophyllum spicatum, a non-native species, has a broad temperature range with optimal photosynthesis between 30°C and 35°C (Barko and Smart 1981;Nichols and Shaw 1986). Similarly, net photosynthesis of Potamogeton crispus, another non-native species, is also highest around 30°C (Nichols and Shaw 1986). Stuckenia pectinata prefers 23-30°C for early growth (Spencer 1986) and can tolerate 35°C (Anderson 1969).…”