Aquatic Invader: Water Chestnut (Trapa natans)

摘要

Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is native to Asia, Europe and Africa. In its native range, local insect populations keep this aquatic plant's abundance in check. But this insect bio-control is lacking outside of its native range, giving water chestnut an ecological advantage over native aquatic plants when introduced. It was introduced to the Northeast in the late 1800's, and has been expanding its range throughout New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and as far south as Maryland and Virginia.rnRecent discoveries in the state of New Jersey, notably a large infestation in Lake Musconetcong in 2008, confirm this invasive is here, and will provide a management challenge for years to come. Lake Musconetcong is a 320-acre lake in Northern New Jersey.