Alligator Weed

Control Options

Cultivation Options

Description of This Plant

Control Options

Mechanical/Physical

Alligator weed can be cut or grazed but is difficult to control physically because it will propagate from stem fragments or the roots.

Biological

At this time there is no available biological control for alligator weed, although goats are known to forage on many types of emergent vegetation. Click here if you would like to read about possible insect control measures.

Chemical

The active ingredients that have been successful in treating alligator weed include 2,4-D (G), glyphosate (G), triclopyr (E), fluridone (G), and imazapyr (E). E = excellent, G = good

Navigate and Aqua-Kleenare 2,4-D compounds that have been effective on alligator weed. 2,4-D compounds are systemic herbicides. Systemic herbicides are absorbed and move within the plant to the site of action. Systemic herbicides tend to act more slowly than contact herbicides.

Rodeo, Aquamaster, Eraser AQ, Touchdown Pro, and AquaNeatare liquid glyphosate formulations and have been effective on alligator weed above the water line but ineffective on plants in the water. They are broad spectrum, systemic herbicides. Systemic herbicides are absorbed and move within the plant to the site of action. Systemic herbicides tend to act more slowly than contact herbicides. An aquatically registered surfactant (see the label) will have to be added to the glyphosate solution for good results.

Renovate is a liquid triclopyr formulation that is effective on alligator weed. It is a selective broadleaf, systemic herbicide. Systemic herbicides are absorbed and move within the plant to the site of action. Systemic herbicides tend to act more slowly than contact herbicides. An aquatically registered surfactant (see the label) will improve the effectiveness of triclopyr.

Sonar and Avast are fluridone compounds, come in both liquid and granular formulations, and have been effective on alligator weed in the water. These are broad spectrum, systemic herbicides. Systemic herbicides are absorbed and move within the plant to the site of action. Systemic herbicides tend to act more slowly than contact herbicides.

Habitat contains the active ingredient, imazapyr, which inhibits the plant enzyme AHAS (acetohydroxyaced synthase). Habitat is a systemic herbicide that is effective on post-emergent floating and emergent aquatic vegetation. Imazapyr is effective at low-volume rates and does not contain heavy metals, organochlorides or phosphates, making it safe to humans and livestock. Habitat requires the use of a spray adjuvant when applying on post-emergent vegetation.

One danger with any chemical control method is the chance of an oxygen depletion after the treatment caused by the decomposition of the dead plant material. Oxygen depletions can kill fish in the pond. If the pond is heavily infested with weeds it may be possible (depending on the herbicide chosen) to treat the pond in sections and let each section decompose for about two weeks before treating another section. Aeration, particularly at night, for several days after treatment may help control the oxygen depletion.

One common problem in using aquatic herbicides is determining area and/or volume of the pond or area to be treated. To assist you with these determinations see SRAC #103 Calculating Area and Volume of Ponds and Tanks.

Many aquatically registered herbicides have water use restrictions. For General Water Use Restrictions click here.

To see the labels for these products click on the name. Always read and follow all label directions. Check label for specific water use restrictions.