Distribution and Control of Aquatic Weeds in Waterways and Riparian Wetlands

Many irrigated and drainage canals, reservoirs, lakes, and rivers are choked by the explosive growth of aquatic weeds, resulting in enormous direct loss in Korea. Distribution of aquatic weeds and exotic invasive plant species in irrigation and drainage waterways, and riparian wetlands was reviewed to provide basic information for management of aquatic weeds and invasive plant species in wetlands. Dominant emergent weeds in canals, reservoirs and lakes were Phragmites communis, Leersia japonica, Zizania latifolia, Conyza canadensis, C. annuus, Rumex crispus, Panicum dichotomiflorum, Bidens frondosa, and Oenothera odorata. Dominant emergent weeds in wetlands of rivers include Digitaria sanguinalis, P. communis, R. crispus, Artemisia princeps, Humulus japonicus, Echinochloa crusgalli, B. frondosa, and Persicaria thunbergii. In irrigation and drainage canals and lakes, dominant submersed weeds were Hydrilla verticillata, Najas minor, Potamogeton malaianus, P. crispus, Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum verticillatum, Salvinia natans, and Trapa natans. Dominant exotic weeds in wetlands include Trifolium repens, O. odorata, C. annuus, B. frondosa, Avena fatua, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, X. strumarium, and P. dichotomiflorum. Approaches to aquatic weed control were mechanical, chemical and biological control techniques. Periodic monitoring of aquatic weeds and exotic weeds, and their integrated management studies are needed in waterways and riparian wetlands in Korea.