Increased salinity, weevil-stocking program impact the nuisance plant, LDWF says
Increased salinities, combined with a weevil-stocking program by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, are negatively impacting the growth of giant salvinia on the Calcasieu River.
According to LDWF, a wet spring decreased salinity levels and created a good growing environment for the plant.
Now, however, conditions are returning to normal, and a recent boat assessment indicated most of the plants below the saltwater barrier are dead or dying.
Allowing salinity to kill salvinia is the most cost-effective method of controlling the plant, and with that in mind, LDWF is focusing their efforts on the upper-end of the river, the release states.
Areas above the saltwater barrier, including West Fork, have shown minimal growth where weevils were heavily stocked.
Evidence of weevil activity is encouraging news for future control efforts, according to the release.
LDWF will continue to monitor the plant, especially in areas with lower salinities, and herbicide treatments will be made as needed to maintain control of the plant throughout the year.
