Biology

Philip Harrell

18 June, 07:13

Hydrilla is an aquatic plant species that is native to Eurasia and was believed to have been first introduced into the US in the 1960's. This plant is present in several Georgia waterbodies around the state. Research has recently been done to investigate potential links between hydrilla infestations and outbreaks of an often fatal disease that can affect birds. Most recently, a link to hydrilla has been suspected in bald eagle deaths in the Southeastern US. Hydra can grow almost anywhere: ~ in almost any freshwater ~in only a few inches of water, or in water more than 20 feet deep ~in oligotrophic to eutrophic conditions ~up to 7% salinity of seawater ~temperature tolerance: optimum growth temperature, 20-27C; maximum temperature, 30C ~overwinters ~needs only 1% of full sunlight. In addition to possibly being the cause of bald eagle deaths, hydrilla can cause many other problems. All BUT ONE may be an ecological issue with the invasion of hydrilla in Georgia waters.