Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants Karmex

Hope Marshell doesn't mind, but here's an email exchange from today to wrap up this thread.
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Marshell here.... I am the one inquiring about karmex..... I just bought this property and it has two ponds.... And old farmer came by and mentioned karmex... then I went to *-* Feed in Magnolia, Texas and the owner said "oh, sure,,,that is the only reason we sell karmex, is for killing moss in ponds,,,good stuff"
I appreciate the input, and I will not use this stuff at all.
Tell me what I can use to cut back on this stuff
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Marshell,
Thanks for the info. It is a shame that people who profess to have respect for and "knowledge" of pesticides, their environmental-impact and the law think themselves smugly-wise to recommend such treatments. They have no idea what they're doing - especially to their customer's pond and its future fish-productivity.
Unfortunately, KARMEX continues to be illegally and inappropriately utilized for aquatic treatments because it DOES kill algae; all kinds - including ALL planktonic algae (the base of the pond's foodchain), as well as nearby trees, grasses and virtually any other plant or algal specie. It also collects in fish-tissue and has reportedly caused F1 genetic mutations in some fish offspring.
Dr. Jim Davis (former Fisheries Specialist at A&M) frequently commented that more fish have been accidentally killed by Karmex (diuron) than any other pesticide on the market - typically due to massive oxygen crashes that occur after the
product is applied to an algae-infested pond (caused by the decomposing algae).
I wished a had an simple, easy, cheap, safe and legal answer for dealing with algae in ponds. But, unfortunately, it doesn't really exist. Basically, the only answer lies in a management program that begins early in the spring - long
before filamentous algae makes its presence offensively known.
In a nutshell, make every effort to maintain a plankton bloom (which serves to reduce sunlight penetration, while also benefiting your pond's
food chain). This simple act will greatly help to reduce the severity of future filamentous algae problems. Second, treat shoreline patches and growths of filamentous algae - if necessary - with HYDROTHOL 191 (endothol) or a chelated copper product (such as CUTRINE PLUS, CAPTAIN, etc.). Such treatments will likely be needed every few weeks along the shoreline. But, if done correctly and in a timely manner, the expense isn't too great - and your fish population should not suffer any negative consequences.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Kelly Duffie