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See also: Ecological Risk Screening Summaries for more species summaries

In parts of the South, there are stories about an invasive floating weed, which forms such a dense mass that it enables small animals to walk across water. This weed, called giant salvinia, is an exotic fern from South America that invades ponds, lakes, and other waterways in the United States. It damages aquatic ecosystems by outgrowing and replacing native plants that provide food and habitat for native animals and waterfowl.

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are testing a naturally occurring fungus (Myrothecium spp.) against giant salvinia to help control it. Initial tests have found that the fungus stops this problematic weed from growing and even can kill it.

Includes species listed as a Federal Noxious Weed under the Plant Protection Act, which makes it illegal in the U.S. to import or transport between states without a permit.

See also: Weeds in Natural Areas for more information sheets

This beautiful episode opens on Lough Corrib at sunrise. Anja sees first-hand the devastating and costly impacts of a new arrival to an existing ecosystem, Lagarosiphon Major a pond weed has taken hold in the waterbody. Part 1 of 4