Water Chestnut (Trapa natans L.) Infestation in the ... - SUNY Oneonta

project is to keep the water chestnut from escaping the wetland and taking hold the
Susquehanna River where its impacts would be widespread. As shown with other
infestations (i.e. the Chesapeake Bay), control of such invasives capable of rapid
establishment and spread involves substantial long term commitment from researchers
and financial supporters. With this project and as with any case of invasive plant species,
early detection and rapid response always result in a higher probability of control and/or
eradication.
However, while preventing the spread of this population does not ensure that the
seeds of the current population could not be carried or travel to the Susquehanna and
begin a harmful infestation, failing to do so will virtually guarantee its further spread.
Therefore, further study and continuation of control efforts are necessary. Close
monitoring of the culvert and drainage areas must be sustained. The present study
supports a prediction that with the continual timely application of the 2,4-D herbicide, the
Blasetti wetland water chestnut population will continue decline in the coming years.
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