The Centre for biological control anticipates the return of water hyacinth at the Hartbeespoort Dam in spring, following seed germination.
The Centre shared aerial pictures of hyacinth infestation at three dams.
Bospoort Dam outside Rustenberg, has about 45 % water hyacinth cover, Vaalkop Dam – north of Bospoort – 44% and Hartbeespoort Dam – 0.8%.
According to the Centre, water hyacinth has been under control at Hartbeespoort Dam, since March, due to biological control agents, implemented as an inundative control strategy which relies on frequent, mass releases of the agents.
“Neither Bospoort nor Vaalkop Dam have an inundative approach to controlling water hyacinth (although we are working very closely with the Vaalkop community to do so). And that is why water hyacinth is still so abundant there.”
The Centre also said this is despite the dans having the same temperatures, but different control.
Picture: Supplied