Accession Number:

AD0754590

Title:

Aquatic Plant Control Program. Technical Report 2. Response of Aquatic Weeds to Laser Radiation.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.,

Corporate Author:

ATHENS COLL ALA DEPT OF BIOLOGY

Personal Author(s):

• Couch,Richard W.

Report Date:

1972-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

72.0

Abstract:

Preliminary experiments in 1968 indicated that water hyacinths and possibly other aquatic plants could be controlled by 10.6 micron laser radiation. Two effects were noted an immediate plasmolysis directly proportional to laser energy and a secondary effect at lower levels of irradiation that resulted in death of the plant after a period of time. Studies made in 1969 indicated that split applications of laser energy were not more effective than continuous treatment. Plant count evaluations were significant at a minimum level of 0.5 joules per sqcmJsgcm. Histological examination of irradiated leaf tissue did not show extensive cell damage due to laser treatment. Studies made in 1970 indicated that twice-irradiated plants were affected at a level of about 70Jsqcm. Author

Descriptors:

• (*PLANTS(BOTANY)
• PEST CONTROL)
• (*LASERS
• PLANTS(BOTANY))
• RADIATION EFFECTS
• PLANT TISSUE
• CELLS(BIOLOGY)
• HISTOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES
• GROWTH(PHYSIOLOGY)
• CARBON DIOXIDE
• NEODYMIUM
• PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Subject Categories:

• Lasers and Masers

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE