Potamogeton crispus – The Other Invader

ABSTRACT

Potamogeton crispus (Curlyleaf-pondweed) is an exotic macrophyte which has been introduced to the North American continent in the last century. P. crispus often grows to nuisance proportions at the expense of native macrophyte communities. A summary of available literature on P. crispus plus original data are presented to improve the understanding of this exotic and and in lake improvement projects. Topics include the life cycle of P. crispus is broken into sections covering the annual cycle of growth, reproduction, senescence and germination; environmental conditions associated with growth such as water quality, substrate characteristics and physical water conditions; nutrient dynamics of P. crispus covering the accumulation and concentration of nutrients found in P. crispus tissue; growth rate and biomass production; and various macrophyte control measures.

Key Words:

• Potamogeton crispus
• distribution
• life cycle
• water quality
• macrophyte nutrient content
• macrophyte control