Chemistry & herbicides
Aquatic herbicide
Aquatic herbicides are EPA-registered chemical products labeled specifically for application to standing water or rooted/floating aquatic plants. Application is regulated at federal (EPA), state (FDACS in Florida), and local levels. Commercial application requires an Aquatic Pest Control category license; homeowners can apply over-the-counter products labeled for aquatic use without a license. Common active ingredients in US aquatic vegetation management: glyphosate, 2,4-D, fluridone, endothall, imazapyr, diquat, and copper-based algaecides. Each has a specific spectrum and a specific failure mode.
Related terms
- FluridoneA systemic aquatic herbicide used for hydrilla, milfoil, and other submerged invasives at very low concentrations.
- GlyphosateA non-selective systemic herbicide used for emergent and floating aquatic vegetation.
- 2,4-DA selective broadleaf herbicide used for water hyacinth, water lettuce, and Eurasian watermilfoil.
- EndothallA contact aquatic herbicide for hydrilla, pondweeds, and milfoil; faster-acting than fluridone.
- ImazapyrA long-residual selective herbicide for shoreline emergents; persists in soil for 6+ months.
- DiquatA fast-acting contact herbicide for floating and submerged aquatic plants.
- Copper sulfateA copper-based algaecide that kills filamentous algae and cyanobacteria on contact.