Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants baby pondweed

Does baby pondweed go dormant during the winter months in Texas ponds?

aka Sago pondweed ...
Yes, it phases-out at some point in the late season, the timing of which may vary with specific site and latatudinal factors.

Life-cycle Characteristics of Potamogeton pectinatus "Our results agree with the hypothesis of a latitude-correlated switch in life-cycle strategy for this species. For northern clones this results in a short life-cycle, with an early and high investment in tuber biomass, while for low latitude clones the length of the life-cycle is prolonged, with a delayed reproduction and increased total plant biomass."

I am trying to work over an existing 3-4 acre fishing pond and have determined that I have: Baby (Bushy)Pondweed, Cyparus Grass, Primrose and Algae. I have treated all of these with a variety of: Reward (liquid), Captain XTR (liquid), and Aquathol (granular) as well as blue and black dye. I seem to be making progress! However, the most effective method I've found is to wade out and drag the vegetation out with a rake (archaic way to do it!). I wanted to NOT continue to treat with chemicals if the cooler weather will abate this growth till the spring at which time I guess I will get back on my chemical controls and my wading work. Any thoughts?

By the way, I'm in Hempstead, TX.

Baby pondweed is another common name for sago pondweed, which falls into a completely different genus than southern naiad (which is what many Texas refer to as "bushy pondweed" - aka Najas guadalupensis).
Physical removal is a potential option - IF you can keep up with the weeds' growth-rates.
Otherwise, herbicides certainly have their place and time; and the "best product" for the job will depend upon several site-specific variables.
Your chemical supplier should be able to provide guidance. If not, you're using the wrong supplier.

You are right! What I have is "bushy pondweed". Back to the original question ..... does it go dormant during the winter months in south Texas? If so, I do not plan to "manage" it till the spring.

BPW is an annual, and usually dissipates during the winter months due to cooler temps and shorter days (sunlight) - then germinates a new generation from any established seeds the following spring.

Efforts to control BPW "late-season" MIGHT be useful IF the effort serves to stem the maturing of seeds - which will otherwise produce a fresh generation of plants next year.

Very helpful! Many thanks for the insights! Best' Mike