Introduction

Common water meal plants, also known as duckweeds, are floating aquatic plants that grow on the surface of still or slow-moving water. They are found in freshwater lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers and are an important food source for waterfowl, fish, and other aquatic creatures. While common water meal plants can be beneficial to the aquatic ecosystem, they can also be invasive and detrimental to human activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and irrigation. In this article, we will explore what kills common water meal plants and how to control their growth.

Chemical Control

Chemical control is a common method used to kill common water meal plants. Various herbicides can be used to control the growth of these plants by breaking down their cell walls and killing them. Some commonly used herbicides include diquat, glyphosate, and fluridone. However, the use of herbicides can have negative effects on the ecosystem and can harm other aquatic creatures. Therefore, the use of herbicides should be strictly regulated and used only when necessary.

Physical Control

Physical control is another method used to kill common water meal plants. This involves manually removing the plants by hand or by using specialized machinery such as rakes, netting, or harvesters. This method can be effective but requires continuous effort and can be time-consuming and expensive. Moreover, physical control does not prevent the regrowth of common water meal plants, and they can quickly spread and cover large areas of water.

Biological Control

Biological control is a natural and effective way to control the growth of common water meal plants. This method involves the introduction of natural predators, such as insects or fish, that feed on the plants and prevent their growth. However, the use of biological control also requires careful consideration and monitoring, as introducing non-native species can have unintended and negative consequences on the ecosystem.

Cultural Control

Cultural control is a proactive method of preventing the growth of common water meal plants. This involves maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems by monitoring water quality, reducing nutrient inputs, and promoting the growth of native aquatic plants. By reducing nutrient inputs such as fertilizers and organic matter, aquatic ecosystems can be maintained at a healthy balance, preventing the excessive growth of common water meal plants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, common water meal plants can be both beneficial and detrimental to aquatic ecosystems. The use of chemical and physical control methods can be effective in killing common water meal plants but requires careful consideration and monitoring to prevent unintended damage to other aquatic creatures. Biological and cultural control methods are natural and proactive ways to prevent the growth of common water meal plants and maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems. Ultimately, the best way to control the growth of common water meal plants is to practice a combination of these methods and maintain a balance between the needs of humans and the needs of the ecosystem.