A Likely Mechanism to Decrease EWM growth-Microbes?

A paper published by Turcotte et al. (1991) showed that bioaugmentation of sediment microbes (essentially, adding non-pathogenic strains to the sediment) decreases They used the microbial solution Bacta-Pur (TM) in bioaugmented areas and noted a 60-90% decline in Eurasian Watermilfoil.  These studies were conducted in experimental ponds but were compelling.  In the Indian Lake study, we noted significant declines in the milfoil in the aeration treatment region but little decline in the "microbe-only" zone and none in the control.  Thus, addition of aeration with bioaugmentation may be necessary as a coupled or synergistic effort to alter the sediment biogeochemistry to reduce nuisance milfoil growth.

Laminar Flow Aeration technology shows results on Hydrilla reduction!

I just finished reviewing a scientifically peer-reviewed paper on control of the highly invasive rooted submersed aquatic plant, Hydrilla verticillata, which costs the state of Florida over tens of millions of dollars annually to control.  The plant was discovered too close to home with invasions in Indiana over the past decade and last year in the straits of Oswego in northwestern NY state.  The paper is by Cooley et al. 1980 from the journal, Water Research-a highly esteemed scientific journal.  Their study shows a decline in Hydrilla in aerated regions of between 18-20% and also a rise in the dissolved oxygen levels, with phosphorus levels remaining the same between the aerated regions and the control areas.