Investigating snails as potential biological control agents for invasive European frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) Bin Zhu

摘要

Many lakes, rivers, and ponds in the United States have been occupied by nonindigenous and invasive species that have altered ecosystem functions (Mills et al. 1994, Ricciardi 2001, Zhu et al. 2006, 2007). A floating aquatic plant— European frogbit (also called common frogbit, Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L.)—is one of the invasive species in North America that may profoundly affect the invaded ecosystems. European frogbit can form dense floating mats, has detrimental effects on native aquatic vegetation by blocking light (e.g., Catling et al. 1988), and affects animals by reducing plants and dissolved oxygen (e.g., Zhu et al. 2008). It can also block navigation channels, irrigation ditches, and water intake pipes, and it can reduce the aesthetic and recreational value of water bodies, thus decreasing tourism and real estate values (Catling et al. 2003). European frogbit has spread rapidly in the Great Lakes Basin and was recently found at several locations in New York State, including Sterling Creek in Cayuga County and a pond at the Audubon Center and Sanctuary in southern Chautauqua County (O’Neill 2007). It is, therefore, important to develop effective strategies to manage this invasive species..