Principal source: Ipomoea aquatica (Fears, UNDATED)
Compiler: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
Review: Dr Adrian E. Williams: APEM Ltd., Manchester Science Park, Manchester, UK
Publication date: 2006-08-29
Recommended citation: Global Invasive Species Database (2024) Species profile: Ipomoea aquatica. Downloaded from http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=477 on 08-12-2024.
\r\nChemical: 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.
\r\nBiological: It would appear that biological control has not been attempted in its non-native habitats (Williams, A.E., pers.comm., 2004).