We
studied the aquatic macrophytes of Muriyad wetlands to assess the ecological
effects and role of macrophytes in relation to rice cultivation and fishing.
Muriyad wetland is seasonal freshwater floodplain wetland of 63 km2.
The whole area is inundated by water for about six months.
Ipomoea
carnea,
Salvinia sp., and Limnocharis flava are some of the major weeds seen in this wetland. Ipomoea
carnea is a plant with high regenerative capacity and is very
difficult to eradicate the weed by physical methods. Salvinia sp. and Cyperus
cephalotes together form heavy floating mats in the wetlands. Considerable
amount of labour is needed to remove these weeds manually. A few years back Limnocharis
flava was found only in some abandoned paddy fields but now it has spread
into larger areas. Removal of the
weed by hand pulling method is not effective since only petioles will get
detached, allowing it to regenerate later.
Nymphaea, sp., Nelumbo sp. and Ipomoea
aquatica are some other major weeds seen in this wetland.
Address: Dept. of Zoology, Christ College
Irinjalakkuda, Kerala, India
Ph: 0484-478880 E mail: sanilmalayil@rediffmail.com
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