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Plant
Identification -- Algae -- Attached-Erect
Algae |
Attached-Erect Algae
(Weed-Like)
Chara (A) and Nitella (B) - Common
names: Muskgrass, Stonewort. |
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Treatment Tips: Treat these plants in areas where
they grow profusely and create a nuisance. Some species
will stay close to the bottom and not interfere with
water use. These help stabilize bottom sediments,
provide good fish habitat, and crowd out less desirable
plants.
Description: These advanced forms
of algae, which are gray-green or yellow in appearance,
are often mistaken for higher vascular plants. The best
way to identify them is by the musky odor and gritty,
bristly feel due to calcium deposits on the surface.
Leaf-like structures are whorled about the stem at
fairly uniform intervals. Chara has a hollow stem. Dense
growths, attached but not rooted, may cover entire
bottom of pond or lake. Water in vicinity is usually
clear. |
| Distribution: Commonly
found in hard water worldwide. |
| In hard water, or those with
thick infestation, two applications of chemical may be
required for control of Chara. If not treated early, old
growth will become hardened. Additional growth can be
suppressed, but older plants may not die and decompose.
Treat earlier next year. |
Recommended Control Method:
Apply 60 pounds of Cutrine-Plus Granular per acre
of water. Best treatment results are achieved when
plants are young and
uncalcified.
OR
Where Chara is in
water less than 3 feet deep or where growth is
near the surface, liquid Cutrine-Plus can be used.
Apply 1.2 gallons of Cutrine-Plus per acre-foot of
water. Dilute at least 9 to 1 with water to
achieve uniform distribution of chemical. |
| Maintenance Control Method: Add
Aquashade at the rate of 1 quart per acre-foot of
water to prevent initial growth or to retard
regrowth of plants after chemical
treatment. |
Descriptions and pictures are from the book "How to Identify and Control Water Weeds and Algae", Edited by James C. Schmidt, 5th edition revised 1998, copyright 1976 Applied Biochemists. |
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