South African Scientists Use Bugs in War Against Water Hyacinth Weed
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Loading... - Isla Martin
- 29 Mar 2023
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The Hartbeespoort dam in South Africa used to be brimming with people enjoying scenic landscapes and recreational water sports. Now, the visitors are greeted to the sight of boats stuck in a sea of invasive green water hyacinth weed.
The spike in Harties - as Hartbeespoort is known - can be attributed to pollution, with sewage, industrial chemicals, heavy metals and litter flowing on rivers from Johannesburg and Pretoria.
"In South Africa, we are faced with highly polluted waters," said Professor Julie Coetzee, who has studied water hyacinths for over 20 years and manages the aquatic weeds program at the Centre for Biological Control at Rhodes University.
Nutrients in the pollutants act as perfect fertilizers for the weed, a big concern for nearby communities due to its devastating impact on livelihoods.
Dion Mostert, 53, is on the verge of laying off 25 workers at his recreational boat company after his business came to a standstill because of the carpet of water hyacinths.
"The boats aren't going anywhere. It's affecting tourism in our town... tourist jobs," Mostert said pointing towards his luxury cruise boat "Alba," marooned in the weeds.
He has considered using herbicides, but admits it would only be a quick fix against the weed.
Scientists and community members have, however, found a unique way to deal with the invasion by introducing a water hyacinth eating bug called Megamelus scutellaris. Read More…
