Invasion of Water Hyacinth (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Eichhornia crassipes&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Is Associated with Decline in Macrophyte Biodiversity in an Ethiopian Rift-Valley Lake—Abaya

Mengistu, Bedilu Bekele; Unbushe, Dikaso; Abebe, Eyualem

doi:10.4236/oje.2017.713046

Cited by 17 publications

(10 citation statements)

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“…crassipes and P . stratiotes caused great harm to the local biodiversity of aquatic plants, phytoplankton and aquatic animals (Coetzee et al, 2014; Mengistu et al, 2017; Thamaga & Dube, 2018; Wang et al, 2016). In this study, we found that the abundance of epiphytic algae on the native macrophyte species ( H .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous studies found that the invasion of E. crassipes and P. stratiotes caused great harm to the local biodiversity of aquatic plants, phytoplankton and aquatic animals (Coetzee et al, 2014;Mengistu et al, 2017;Thamaga & Dube, 2018;Wang et al, 2016). In this study, we found that the abundance of epiphytic algae on the native macrophyte species (H. dubia) was greater than that on the invasive species (E. crassipes and P. stratiotes) in both the field investigation and mesocosm experiment (Figure 2), which suggested that invasive free-floating macrophytes might have a stronger inhibitory effect than native free-floating macrophytes on epiphytic algae.…”

Section: Invasive Free-floating Macrophytes Had a Stronger Inhibitory...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The large, dense mats formed by these species cover lakes and rivers, blocking waterways and interfering with the water transport of agricultural products, tourism activities, water power generation and irrigation of agricultural fields (Adebayo et al, 2011; Shanab et al, 2010; Thamaga & Dube, 2018). These dense mats monopolize light and absorb nutrients from the water column, minimizing the rate of photosynthesis by submerged plants and algae (Coetzee et al, 2011; Fileto‐Perez et al, 2015; Khanna et al, 2012; Mengistu et al, 2017; Wang et al, 2012). In addition, low oxygen conditions cause increasing organic detritus to decrease clarity, which inhibits macrophyte and algal growth (Thamaga & Dube, 2018; Wang et al, 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Invasion of water hyacinth and water lettuce inhibits the abundance of epiphytic algae

Fan

Wang

et al. 2022

Diversity and Distributions

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Aim:The invasion of exotic macrophytes causes native biodiversity loss in aquatic ecosystems of China. However, the influence of invasive free-floating macrophytes on epiphytic algal communities has rarely been reported, especially in comparison with those of native free-floating macrophytes.Region: Southern China. Methods:We investigated the interrelationship between epiphytic algal communities on the roots of three free-floating macrophytes [two invasive species (Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes) and one native species (Hydrocharis dubia)] and environmental factors in 40 natural freshwater ecosystems throughout southern China. We also tested the relationship between allelochemicals from the macrophytes and epiphytic algae. A mesocosm experiment was conducted to verify the discoveries of the field investigation. Results:The abundance of epiphytic algae on the invasive macrophytes was lower than that on the native species in the field investigation and mesocosm experiment.Macrophyte traits were the main factor explaining the epiphytic algal abundance in both the field investigation and mesocosm experiment. In linear models, the slopes of epiphytic algal abundance were lower across gradients of native macrophyte biomass and coverage than across gradients of invasive macrophyte biomass and coverage.The allelochemical contents secreted by the invasive macrophytes were significantly higher than those secreted by the native species. The composition of allelochemicals was another factor that drove the decrease in epiphytic algal abundance. Among the allelochemicals, organic acids and alkaloids were abundant. Main Conclusions:The inhibitory effect of two invasive free-floating macrophytes on epiphytic algae is stronger than that of the native macrophyte H. dubia. The main reason for this finding is that the invasive macrophytes have greater biomass and occupied more space, resulting in greater limitations on spatial niches and resources.Moreover, invasive macrophytes release more allelochemicals than native macrophytes, leading to stronger inhibitory effects on epiphytic algae.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Invasive Free-floating Macrophytes Had a Stronger Inhibitory...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Invasion of water hyacinth and water lettuce inhibits the abundance of epiphytic algae

Fan

Wang

et al. 2022

Diversity and Distributions

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“…The highly reproductive nature of water hyacinth poses a great threat to biodiversity as the weed easily outcompetes other species. Mengistu et al [ 102 ] compared the impact of water hyacinth on the assemblage of macrophyte species in infested and noninfested parts of Lake Abaya, Ethiopia. It was reported that water hyacinth affects the composition of macrophytes, their abundance, and diversity so much so that in extreme instances, the community of the macrophytes shrank into single flora.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms: Uses, Challenges, Threats, and Prospects

Ayanda

Ajayi

Asuwaju³

2020

The Scientific World Journal

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Water hyacinths pose serious challenges to humanity and the environment. Considering the enormity of the menace associated with the growth and spread of the plant and the difficulty in achieving a single, generally acceptable control method, it is becoming increasingly imperative to explore the potentials of the plant. New water hyacinth-related articles are regularly being published. Recently published articles about the plant were accessed, and the information in these articles is presented in the context of the pros and cons of the plant. Some of the benefits that can be derived from the plant include biogas and biofuel production, medicinal functions, vermicomposting, compost production, and bioremediation. However, clogging of waterways, obstruction of water transportation, and fishing activities; breeding grounds for pests and diseases; and reduction of water quality, loss of biodiversity, and economic downturn in areas invaded by the plant are problems associated with it. The peculiarity in the invasiveness of each situation should determine whether or not the growth of the plant is a problem, especially if the opportunity to harness the potentials of the plant exists. There are three major methods for controlling the plants when control becomes inevitable: mechanical, chemical, and biological. To achieve the best control, integrating two or more control methods is advised.

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“…Since then, it emerged to be among the ten top ecologically risky aquatic flowers in the country. It has inflicted adverse impact on social, economic and livelihood condition of the people and development projects in the Rift Valley Lakes Region (Mengistu, Unbushe & Abebe, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determinants of manual control of water hyacinth expansion over the Lake Tana, Ethiopia

Yitbarek¹,

Belay²,

Bazezew³

2019

AFRREV STECH: Int J. Sci and Technol

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Water hyacinth is an exotic freshwater weed damaging wetland resources over the Lake Tana basin, Ethiopia. Different measures, including manual labour and harvesting machinery are in use to reduce its damage and expansion. Yet, the invasion of the weed appears expanding its scope across the wetlands of the Lake. This paper presented the study made to identify determinant factors affecting manual control of water hyacinth expansion over the Lake wetlands. It tried to analyse the expansion trend of the water hyacinth and community efforts to control its extension. Data were gathered from questionnaire surveys, group discussions, interviews and field observations. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. The study revealed that the water hyacinth cover in the Lake's wetland increased from ≤10, 000 ha in 2011 to over 50, 000 ha in 2017. Wetland terrain, water depth, food availability, farming time, employment and government support were found significantly influencing the manual control practices of households. Hence, government support must increase to motivate people involvement in manual weed removal campaigns. Micro-relief maps and floating boats need be readily available to help participants easily identify risky terrains and expand the physical weed removal into the deeper waters.

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Invasion of Water Hyacinth (<i>Eichhornia crassipes</i>) Is Associated with Decline in Macrophyte Biodiversity in an Ethiopian Rift-Valley Lake—Abaya

Cited by 17 publications

References 17 publications

Invasion of water hyacinth and water lettuce inhibits the abundance of epiphytic algae

Invasion of water hyacinth and water lettuce inhibits the abundance of epiphytic algae

Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms: Uses, Challenges, Threats, and Prospects

Determinants of manual control of water hyacinth expansion over the Lake Tana, Ethiopia

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