Beyond conventional control: Integrated and adaptive management of water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae)), a multiple stakeholders’ approach

Abstract

Water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes), one of themost invasive alien plants globally, is native to South America but has spreadto regions like El Ojo lake in San Vicente, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Within twoyears, its coverage expanded from 10% to 80%, negatively affectingbiodiversity, navigation, fishing, and tourism. This study developed andimplemented an integrated and adaptive management strategy (IAMS) to addressthe invasion. The IAMS combined biological control using Neochetina bruchi, mechanical extraction, and community engagement through focusgroups, educational workshops, and outreach events. Satellite imagery was usedto monitor the plant’s spatial and temporal dynamics, while plant parameterssuch as wet biomass, density, and morphology were recorded. A social perceptionsurvey assessed community awareness of the invasion and the IAMS. Resultsshowed a 70% reduction in P. crassipes biomass between 2017and 2018, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining biological andmechanical control with community involvement. This study marks the firstimplementation of an augmentative biological control program for an aquaticplant in Argentina and provides a replicable model for managing invasivespecies in other regions.