Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Identifying plants Floating crud

Hello All!

I am a new member here that can surely use your assistance.

Our pond needs some professional help, that's you!

We have uploaded pictures of the pond to our web site and a brief description so that you may be able to identify and help us with the elimination of this weed (we hope).

http://www.pineridge7.com/MJE/pond.htm

From your picture with the stuff on your hand it looks like - common name - water meal, (Wolffia brasiliensis or W. columbiana or W. papulifera and maybe W. punctata). But be aware it could also be algae suchas Nostoc or another colonial Cyanobacteria. Before you go treating it you should have the identification verified by a knowledgable professional who can examine it up close.

Bill how does one find a knowledgeable professional? Do I send a sample off somewhere or drag a sample to my local Tractor Supply Store for identification?

Forget taking it to a place that sells pond chemicals. Very rarely are those people trained to correctly or accurately identify water plants, esp difficult ones. However they are trained to sell you chemicals, and maybe not the correct ones. For identification first try the University Extension office (OSU) or Sea Grant staff. Ideally the stuff should be examined with a microscope to verify that it is not a Cyanobacterial (bluegreen) algae.

I could also look at it for you. If I can get it fairly fresh or preserved.

Bill I see that you are also located in Ohio. What is the preferred means to get a sample to you?