Grapevine

Team is first to find invasive hydrilla plant in Canada

Hydrilla verticillate (hydrilla), one of North America's most invasive species, has been found for the first time in Canada. Dr. Rebecca Rooney, a biology professor, and members of her Waterloo Wetland Laboratory were surveying a secluded section of the Hillman Marsh Conservation Area in Leamington, Ontario, when they found the unexpected species. Upon review, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry confirmed their findings.

Why is one little plant so worrisome?

Hydrilla is an aquatic plant that spreads quickly and can take over entire wetland environments, threatening the diversity of plants and animals in ecosystems. Hydrilla can also limit recreational use of these areas because it can get tangled in boat motors, clog water-intake pipes and inhibit activities like swimming and paddling, hindering our ability to enjoy Ontario's beautiful lakes and wetlands.

"We hope to eradicate it before it can spread," says Rooney, an expert on invasive species in Canada. "It's currently in an area isolated from Lake Erie and other wetlands, which is good news. This will enable us to treat the infested area without impacting the larger water system."

Removing all hydrilla in Hillman Marsh could take several years, but Rooney and her team will be involved in the eradication efforts. The team plans to monitor the use of different tactics to remove the hydrilla from the area, such as administering approved herbicides and dredging.