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Click here to go back Details of this species in Benin Status: Alien Invasiveness: Invasive Occurrence: Present/controlled Source: Julien 2001; Navarro 2001 Arrival Date: Introduction: Species Notes for this Location: Management Notes for this Location: Biological control agents against water hyacinth were released in Benin in 1991 (the weevil Neochetina eichhorniae), 1992 (the weevil Neochetina bruchi), 1993 (the moth Niphograpta albiguttalis) and 1999 (the bug Eccritotarsus catarinensis) (IITA 2000, in Julien 2001). Following its release N. bruchi became successfully established in this country, and provides a sufficient level of control (IITA 2000, in Julien 2001). Following its release N. eichhorniae became successfully established in this country, and provides a sufficient level of control. Following its release N. albiguttalis did not become successfully established in this country. The Water Hyacinth Information Partnership (WHIP) has been conceptualised as an information–communication mechanism to alert communities and decision-makers concerned with water bodies of Africa and the Middle East that are facing impending infestations of water hyacinth. This includes Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Israel. It would also foster and facilitate quick reaction to the threat by providing countries with timely information. The vision is that of a region that is able to halt and revert the spread of water hyacinth across its water bodies, preventing water hyacinth from reaching costly crisis levels. WHIP’s mission is, through the use of modern and more traditional information–communication technologies, to target and tap key sources of information and expertise on water hyacinth, to mobilise decision makers and to stimulate efforts to control the weed. In the longer term, the expectation is that WHIP would foster and support the integrated management of water bodies and their basins to diminish soil erosion and other sources of water pollution that favour the growth of aquatic weeds (Navarro 2001). Location Notes: Last Modified: 4/08/2006 12:27:07 p.m.