Efficacy of UVC treatment on Hydrilla verticillata and Trapa spp.

<jats:p>Hydrilla verticillata and Trapa spp. are invasive aquatic plants that pose serious challenges to freshwater ecosystems. In search of a nonchemical method to eradicate H. verticillata and Trapa spp., this study explores the application of UVC light to target the adult plant forms and the dormant turions of H. verticillata as well as the seedlings of Trapa spp. Contrary to our expectations, the experimental results demonstrated that UVC exposure had no significant effect on reducing the viability of either adult hydrilla plants or their turions. Despite treatment with a range of UVC doses, the plants remained viable and the turions were able to germinate successfully. UVC exposure did, however, cause a significant reduction in biomass for both Trapa species tested. These findings suggest that UVC light, at least under the conditions tested, is not an effective standalone strategy for controlling hydrilla but may be a useful nonchemical tool for controlling Trapa spp. Further research is required to explore alternative nonchemical methods or to refine the application parameters of UVC if it is to be further considered for eradication of these two invasive aquatic plants.</jats:p>