Ipomoea aquatica (vine, climber)

Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

Management Information Preventative measures: Sale and distribution of I. aquatica is prohibited in Florida, however, the plant is still repeatedly introduced there. Chemical: According to Schardt & Schmitz (1990, in Fears, UNDATED), aquatic herbicides have been used to control the plant but the results were only temporary. 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU / Diuron) provided acceptable control in dry ditches but also controlled most other adjacent plants, which is unacceptable in areas of high conservation value. 1-1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridylium dichloride (paraquat) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) have both been shown to have an impact on plant growth (Ninomiya, Oogami, Kino-Oka, Taya, 2003). However as with DCMU, paraquat is a broad spectrum herbicide and would, in many cases, likely impact surrounding vegetation to an unacceptable level. N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (glysophate) would probably be effective but again is a broad spectrum herbicide. More research needs to be undertaken on the effectiveness of 2,4 D which is a far more selective herbicide. Biological: It would appear that biological control has not been attempted in its non-native habitats (Williams, A.E., pers.comm., 2004).          Management Resources/Links 1. Fears, Nicole UNDATED. Water Spinich Exotic Aquatics on the Move [Online Database] Sea Grant.         Summary: This page contains information about description, habitat, impacts, origin, distribution, uses, and control measures. Available from: http://www.iisgcp.org/EXOTICSP/waterspinach.htm [Accessed 24 October 2003]. 2. Ninomiya K., Oogami Y., Kino-Oka M., Taya M. (2003). Assessment of herbicidal toxicity based on non-destructive measurement of local chlorophyll content in photoautotrophic hairy roots. Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, 95, 3, 264-270.         Summary: Investigates the response of chlorophyll in the hairy roots of I. aquatica to various herbicide applications. 3. PIER (Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk), 2003. Ipomoea aquatica         Summary: Ecology, synonyms, common names, distributions (Pacific as well as global), management and impact information. Available from: http://www.hear.org/pier/species/ipomoea_aquatica.htm [Accessed 24 October 2003] 4. Varnham, K. 2006. Non-native species in UK Overseas Territories: a review. JNCC Report 372. Peterborough: United Kingdom.         Summary: This database compiles information on alien species from British Overseas Territories. Available from: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-3634 [Accessed 16 May 2006]          Results Page: 1