Integrated Pest Management - Plant Management in Florida Waters

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

MAIN INDEX | Principles of IPM | IPM strategies | Developing IPM plans for aquatics |

Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies have been employed in Florida for years. More than a century ago, plant managers used a combination of chemical, physical, and mechanical controls to combat water hyacinth in the St. John's river.

IPM methods seek to minimize pests and their damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazards. The integrated approach does not refer to a specific management technique, but rather a multi-strategy tactic that employs suitable and compatible techniques and methods in order to maintain pest populations below levels that will cause significant economic and environmental damage.

Plant managers rely on a range of scientific and cultural information that enables them to develop the most appropriate plant management strategies. This includes the intended uses of the waterbody, physical attributes and location of the site, the invasive or weedy species present, aesthetics, and a number of other environmental considerations.

Principles of IPM

Address the initial causes of the weed problem.
Pests are managed, not controlled, to reduce economic and environmental impacts.
Biology and life cycles of invasive species are considered.
All interdisciplinary approaches such as chemical, biological, mechanical, and physical control methods are taken into account and used when possible.
Flexibility to changing environment and conditions is essential.
Primary and dependent ecosystems are considered.
Maximum use of "natural" controls is emphasized.
Management impacts to ecosystem must be monitored.
Multi-pest objective is ideal.
Examination of progress and monitoring of long term results (and changes) are essential.
Continued development of future management options is critical.

Obviously, IPM is easier said than done. When done according to these principles, IPM requires more thought, planning, and resources than do ordinary management regimes.

WITH IPM STRATEGIES, herbicidal applications are reduced to the minimum possible level. This approach poses a lower risk to people, wildlife, and the environment while simultaneously protecting economic interests.

A number of IPM strategies are encouraged by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Invasive Plant Management. Here are examples:

Chemical + chemical techniques
Plant managers use 2,4-D to control non-native water hyacinth when it is accompanied with grasses because 2,4-D has little effect on grasses. However, when water hyacinth is mixed with our native bulrushes, managers employ diquat, a chemical that does not affect bulrushes and will only burn, not kill, desirable native grasses.
Biological + chemical techniques
Water hyacinth biocontrol weevils reduce plant vigor and seed production. This allows managers to use less herbicides.
Physical + chemical techniques
Dewatering and burning of torpedo grass reduces root starch, removes dense thatch, and most importantly, stimulates growth, all of which increases torpedo grass uptake and susceptibility to imazapyr herbicide.
Mechanical + chemical techniques
Machines remove floating vegetation in navigation channels; weed regrowth is then managed by herbicides.
Physical + Mechanical techniques
Drawdowns and prescribed fires regulate emersed plant growth; upland plants that colonize exposed soils are harvested and shredded during times of flooding.

Developing An Integrated Aquatic Plant Management Plan
(Canfield/Hoyer):

Identify the uses of the water body and the relationship to aquatic plants
Understand the ecology of the waterbody and biology of its inhabitants
Set realistic management goals
Consider all available management techniques and adopt the most appropriate methods
Develop a plan of action and monitoring program
Establish long term educational programs that address aquatic plant problems

Individuals and homeowners' organizations can also take a proactive approach to aquatic weed management on private property by adopting and using IPM protocols.

For more information,
see the premier site on Integrated Pest Management from
Integrated Plant Protection Center, Oregon State University

Also see the NALMS and APMS online chapter
Developing an Integrated Aquatic Plant Management Plan, by Mark Hoyer

For a good IPM curriculum for teachers, go to this web site:
IPM Curriculum for Teachers - Weeds by Penn State University

The Creators

This page was authored by Sarah Cervone.
Data is from the APIRS database.
This page was designed and is managed by Becca Hassell.
Photography and graphics are by Ann Murray, and Vic Ramey.

Vic Ramey is the editor.

DEP review by Jeff Schardt and Judy Ludlow.

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A collaboration of the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida, and the Invasive Plant Management Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.