The Sepik salvinia problem is beaten

Abstract

Salvinia molesta is a free floating water fern from South America. It reproduces only by vegetative means. New plants are formed by the division of the original one. The plant can grow rapidly and has been recorded as doubling every 2-3 days. Because salvinia can quickly cover freshwater lakes with thick floating weed mats, it has caused problems in many tropical countries. The weed is present in several places in Papua New Guinea and has caused serious problems in the Sepik and Ramu rivers.