INFORMATION!

ALLIGATORWEED
Alternanthera philoxeroides

alternanthera philoxeroides - alligatorweedAlligatorweed is a rapidly spreading perennial which propagates by seed production and/or fragmentation. It is readily distinguished by its small white flowers. The leaves of this plant are opposite, entire, and up to 4 inches long. Although this plant readily occurs throughout the state from the piedmont to the coastal plain it is not a native species.

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alligatorweed in river

Control Methods:

South Carolina Law requires individuals to possess a Commercial Pesticide Applicators License in Category 5, Aquatic Pest Control, before they apply aquatic herbicides if the work is done for compensation on the property of another.  A license is also required, regardless of ownership, if the application is made to an area where public access to the treated site is expected.  Private swimming lakes, where the public would exposed to the treated waters, are the most obvious example of the latter requirement.   On all public facilities, such as golf courses, driving ranges, subdivisions, condominium/apartment complexes and mobile home parks, applicators are required to possess a Category 5 License to apply aquatic pesticides.

1. Manual removal by raking or pulling out the plant.


2. Active Ingredient: Triclopyr(Garlon 3)*
Product Name: Renovate 3, Tahoe, Trycera
Approximate Cost: $100.00-$125.00/gallon

Application Rates: 3-8 quarts/acre as a broadcast spray or as a 1.5 percent solution with hand-held sprayer.
This product should be used with an approved surfactant at a rate of 1.0 - 1.5 quarts surfactant per 50 gallons of spray mix.
*Manufacturers list this product as a partial control agent

Use Considerations -
Triclopyr is not toxic to fish or wildlife at normal use concentrations. It can cause severe irritation to eyes and skin upon contact. It is suggested that it is used in a manner to reduce the possibility of drift. The proper personal protective equipment should be used as prescribed by the Federal label.

Water Use Restrictions
- For floating and emergent applications do not apply within 200 feet of operating potable water intakes when using 4 - 8 qts per acre. There are no setback restrictions for potable water intakes when 2 qts. per acre or less is applied to emergent vegetation. To make applications within these restricted areas, follow the label directions. There are no restrictions on the use of treated water for recreational purposes or for livestock consumption.

Application Methods and Tips:
Successful use of Renovate is dependent on contact of the herbicide with the plant foliage, therefore do not apply this herbicide to submerged vegetation. Do not apply the product when rain is likely within 12 hours post-treatment. Best results are achieved when treatments are made when most of the plants are in bloom. Coverage should be uniform and conducted on a spray-to-wet basis. Repeat applications will be required to maintain control of alligator weed. READ AND FOLLOW THE HERBICIDE LABEL

3. Active Ingredient:
Isopropylamine Salt of Glyphosate*
Product Name: Rodeo, Aquastar, Aquaneat, Touchdown Pro
Approximate Cost: $25.00-$50.00/gallon

Application Rates:
6 pints/acre as a broadcast spray or as a 1 1/4 percent solution with hand-held sprayer.
Mixing rates for 1 1/4% spray solution:
Desired Volume         Amount of Glyphosate
1 gallon                       1.60 ounce (2 tablespoons = 1 oz.)
25 gallons                  1.25 quarts
100 gallons               5.00 quarts
*Manufacturers list this product as a partial control agent
This product should be used with an approved surfactant at a rate of 1.0 - 1.5 quarts surfactant per 50 gallons of spray mix.

Use Considerations
- Glyphosate is not toxic to mammals, birds or fish at recommended use concentrations. Glyphosate products with aquatic labels can be used in and around aquatic sites, including all bodies of fresh and brackish water which may be flowing or nonflowing.

Water Use Restrictions:-
Do not apply within 0.5 miles upstream of potable water intakes unless water intake is shut off for 48 hours. There are no restrictions on water use for irrigation or recreation after treatment.

Application Methods and Tips:
Successful use of Glyphosate is dependent on contact of the herbicide with the plant foliage; therefore do not apply this herbicide to submerged vegetation. Do not apply the product when rain is likely within 12 hours post-treatment. Best results are achieved when treatments are made when most of the plants are in bloom. Coverage should be uniform and conducted on a spray-to-wet basis. Repeat applications will be required to maintain control of alligator weed. READ AND FOLLOW THE HERBICIDE LABEL
Consult the fisheries biologist serving your county for more details concerning use of these products.

4. Active Ingredient:
Imazapyr
Product Name: Habitat, Ecomazapyr
Approximate Cost: $65.00-$100.00/gallon

Application Rates:
2 ounces/acre applied in 3 gallon tank or 0.5% solution by volume.
This product should be used with an approved surfactant such as Methylated Seed Oil at a rate of  4 ounces surfactant per 3 gallons of spray mix or 1% solution by volume.
Ensure 100% coverage of actively growing emergent foliage.

Use Considerations:
 Untreated desirable plants can be affected by root uptake of imazapyr from treated soil.  Injury or loss of desirable plants may result if imazapyr is applied on or near desirable plants, on areas where their roots extend, or in locations where the treated soil may be washed or moved into contact with their roots.  When making applications along shorelines where desirable plants may be present, caution should be exercised to avoid spray contact with their foliage or spray application to the soil in which they are rooted.  Shoreline plants that have roots that extend into the water in an area where imazapyr has been applied generally will not be adversely affected by uptake of the herbicide from the water.   Imazapyr is not toxic to fish or wildlife at normal use concentrations. It can cause severe irritation to eyes and skin upon contact. It is suggested that it is used in a manner to reduce the possibility of drift. The proper personal protective equipment should be used as prescribed by the Federal label.

Water Use Restrictions:
Do not use on food crops.  Do NOT use this product within one-half mile upstream of an active potable water intake in flowing water or within one-half mile of an active potable water intake in a standing body of water, such as a lake or pond.  Do NOT apply to water used for irrigation except as described by the label.  There are no restrictions on the use of water in the treatment area for recreational purposes, included swimming and fishing.  There are no restrictions on livestock consumption of water from the treatment area. 

Application Methods and Tips:
Successful use of imazapyr is dependent on contact of the herbicide with the plant foliage; therefore do not apply this herbicide to submerged vegetation. Do not apply the product when rain is likely within 12 hours post-treatment. Best results are achieved when treatments are made when most of the plants are in bloom. Coverage should be uniform and conducted on a spray-to-wet basis. Repeat applications may be required to maintain control of alligator weed. READ AND FOLLOW THE HERBICIDE LABEL

5. Alligatorweed flea beetles Agasicles hygrophila
Agasicles hygrophila is native of South America, specifically southern Brazil and northern Argentina. In 1963 approval was granted for its importation into the United States and in January of the following year permission was received from California and South Carolina for the release of the beetle. In 1964, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released the biological control agent Agasicles hygrophila in California and South Carolina in hopes of controlling alligatorweed. This beetle was so successful that subsequent releases were made in 9 southern states including Texas. These can commonly only be obtained by government entities.

6. Sterile Grass Carp (White Amur)
Grass carp are not considered an effective alternative for the control of alligator weed.