Efficient and rapid control of Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) by combining benthic mats and hand pulling

Abstract

Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) is an aquatic vascular plant that forms extensive dense beds in lakes. This invader competes with native plants, interferes with aquatic activities and decreases riparian property values. In Canada, the use of aquatic herbicides is highly restricted. Environmental managers must therefore rely on physical methods such as hand pulling or benthic matting for control. Although these methods are not new, there has been little scientific investigation regarding their effectiveness and cost over multiple years. Benthic matting and hand pulling were used in Lac des Abénaquis (area: 1.2 km2) to control 3.6 ha of M. spicatum beds. Initiated by citizens in 2016, control procedures were scientifically studied in 2020 and 2021. Benthic fiberglass mats were deployed on dense M. spicatum patches for ten weeks. Isolated plants and patches <100 m2 were hand pulled by divers, and the harvested material surfaced via a suction hose or in hand-filled bags. By August 2021, all the M. spicatum patches had been eliminated, and only 560 widely scattered plants remained. Over the last two years of control, hand pulling required 243 person-hours and removed 2,245 kg of biomass. The biomass brought to the surface was 2.4 times higher per person-hour with the suction system than with bags. The use of 1,000 m2 of benthic mats required 47 to 51 person-hours per summer season, including installation, removal, and maintenance. Intensive management (years 1 to 5) using benthic mats and hand pulling cost an estimated Can$185,000 (US$140,000) per hectare of M. spicatum bed. Hand pulling of scattered individuals (years 6+), estimated at Can$20,000 (US$15,000) per summer, is essential to avoid re-infestation. An invasion of M. spicatum can successfully be managed in small lakes without herbicides, but control remains a costly and long-term endeavor.