Efficacy of 2,4-D ester on variable-leaf milfoil control for partial lake treatments in New Hampshire waterbodies, Erika J. Haug and M. D. Bellaud

摘要

Variable-leaf milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum Michx) is one of the most widespread invasive aquatic plant known in freshwater lakes and ponds in New Hampshire (Smagula 2008). In 2008, variable-leaf milfoil was found in 59 of the then 67 New Hampshire waterbodies infested with exotic species (Smagula 2008). Invasive species such as variable-leaf milfoil can have detrimental impacts on water quality, result in the loss of native plant diversity, and impair recreational uses (U.S. Congress 1993, Wilcove et al. 1998, Halstead et al. 2003). Variable-leaf milfoil has also been estimated to reduce lake-front property values by as much as 20 to 40% (Halstead et al. 2003). As a result, considerable state, municipal and private funds are spent each year on herbicide treatment programs to control variable-leaf milfoil..