Salvinia molesta:
It was reported that an exotic beetle released into a vast reservoir in Betul district has successfully eradicated an invasive weed species, Salvinia molesta, within 18 months.
- Salvinia molesta is a highly detrimental aquatic fern.
- It is commonly known as “Water Fern” and is an aggressive and fast-growing Alien Invasive Aquatic Weed of South-Eastern Brazil origin.
- It prefers tropical, sub-tropical or warm temperate areas of the world and grows best in still or slow-moving water bodies including ditches, ponds, lakes, slow rivers and canals.
- It is locally known as “Chinese Jhalaar”, this invasive species was first spotted in India in 2018 and had completely carpeted the reservoir by 2019.
- It may form dense vegetation mats that reduce water flow and lower the light and oxygen levels in the water.
- It has been widely introduced as an ornamental plant and has been used as a mulch for crops in dry areas near water bodies where it grows
