Alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) is another invasive aquatic weed found in Florida. It originated in South America and has become a ubiquitous noxious weed in ponds throughout St. Lucie County and the Florida Treasure Coast. Fortunately, a biological control agent, the Alligatorweed Flea Beetle (Agasicles hygrophila), has been released in Florida.
In April 2021, Extension received a request for assistance with alligatorweed management in stormwater ponds in Port St. Lucie. Knowing the alligatorweed flea beetle was likely there, I made a site visit with the assistance of Dr. Carey Minteer, UF/IFAS researcher who specializes in biological control of invasive weeds. As expected, we confirmed that alligatorweed flea beetles were present and actively feeding on alligatorweed. That’s good news!
Additional Links
UF/IFAS Indian River Research & Education Center – Hayslip Control Research and Containment Laboratory
UF/IFAS Assessment – Alligatorweed
UF Featured Creatures – Alligatorweed Flea Beetle
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