ABSTRACT
Water hyacinth, alligator weed, and Eurasian watermilfoil infestations were the primary problem aquatic weeds. In Florida, water hyacinth had taken over the St. Johns River at Palatka to such extent that steamboats and other craft were unable to reach the docks or pass through the navigation openings of the bridges. The production of disease-carrying and pest mosquitos is aided by mats of water hyacinth and alligator weed. During the early phases of the Corps of Engineers' aquatic weed eradication program, many different mechanical devices were designed to cope with the dense infestations of water hyacinths. No adverse effects on water supplies have been reported since widespread use of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy (2,4-D) was started by the Corps and state and local agencies in other states for hyacinth control. The Corps of Engineers applied for a 2,4-D tolerance for aquatic application to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Food and Drug Administration on August 7, 1970.
