Lowcountry Chapter Meeting - Biocontrol Progress using the Giant Salvinia Weevil

Judson Riser, Environmental Specialist III, Santee Cooper

Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta), is a free-floating aquatic fern native to southern Brazil. It is characterized by an aggressive exponential growth rate that quickly forms surface mats that alter the local ecosystem, reduce oxygen exchange, out-compete native vegetation, block water intakes, and impede navigation.  Giant salvinia was first documented on the upper portion of Lake Marion near Bee Tree Lake June of 2017. Since 2017 giant salvinia has become one of the most problematic invasive plants to occur on the Santee Cooper System and now can be found on both lakes. In the Summer of 2021 Biological Services decided to incorporate biological control utilizing the giant salvinia weevil (Cyrtobagous salviniae) to the integrated pest management strategy for giant salvinia. This strategy involves the large-scale rearing and release of giant salvinia weevils to supplement the use of herbicides. The presentation will walk through development of the program and the progress to date.
 

LECTURE SERIES  - NEW LOCATION FOR 2025 (back to former location, Duckett Hall)

Lectures are typically held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM, and tasty snacks will be provided during post-lecture socializing (BYO non-alcoholic beverage or water bottle).  We will meet in The Citadel's Duckett Hall Auditorium, 2 Jones Ave, Charleston, SC 29403.  This is next door to our 2024 lecture location (Byrd Hall). Enter Duckett Hall from Jones Ave and go up the short steps to the Auditorium on your left. Free parking is available after 5:00 PM in the parking lot south of Richardson Street, accessible from Mims Ave.