Michigan Aquatic Pest Control Practice Exam

In the context of managing aquatic plants like wild celery or tape grass, the method involving herbicide treatments is often not recommended due to the potential negative impacts on the surrounding ecosystem. Herbicides can affect not only the target species but also non-target plants and aquatic organisms, disrupting the balance of the aquatic environment.

Alternative control methods, such as hand pulling, raking, or screening the bottom, tend to be more environmentally friendly and are often preferred for their lower impact. Hand pulling and raking can help manage these plants manually, allowing for targeted removal without introducing chemicals. Screening the bottom can also be an effective way to prevent the regrowth of these plants by physically blocking sunlight and limiting their natural growth patterns.

Using herbicides could lead to unintended consequences such as harming beneficial aquatic species, contributing to water quality issues, or promoting the growth of other invasive species, which is why reliance on herbicide treatments is generally discouraged in managing wild celery or tape grass.