From Research to Applied Management and Culture: Native Aquatic Plant Enhancement in Texas Reservoirs

The role of plants in aquatic systems is significant, providing valuable fish and wildlife habitat, improving water quality, reducing shoreline erosion, and potentially slowing the spread of nuisance exotic plants. Typically, three different situations occur in large multipurpose reservoirs: 1) low overall abundance of vegetation, 2) low species diversity with a monoculture of nuisance exotic plant species such as hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), or 3) an unoccupied niche following control of nuisance species.  Because reservoir hydrodynamics, herbivore populations, and seed banks are vastly different from natural lakes, we developed techniques to improve the chances of success in aquatic plant introduction programs in reservoirs. These techniques were refined through a multi-reservoir research initiative and were subsequently applied in multiple management projects with assistance from numerous partners.  To provide a reliable supply of plant propagules for these projects we adopted and modified reputable plant culture techniques.  This allowed us to expand our production capability through establishment of multiple nurseries throughout Texas.  Case histories describing pilot research, nursery development, and applied management projects are discussed, and essential partnerships are recognized.