Triploid Grass Carp for Aquatic Plant Control,

Aquatic plants are often needed in ponds, lakes and streams to ensure bottom stabilization and provide cover and food for aquatic and semi-aquatic animals. In the United States, the reduction or elimination of unwanted aquatic plants has developed into a major and costly task. Unwanted aquatic plants can be controlled by several methods or combinations of methods water level manipulation, mechanical physical removal, application of chemicals, and introduction of plant-eating animals biological control. The introduction of animals primarily insects or herbivorous fish that feed on aquatic vegetation has the advantage of providing relatively low-cost, long-term control, with few or no detrimental side effects when properly stocked. The grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, a native of eastern Asia appears to be well suited for use in vegetation control.