Bugs Help To Kill Weeds
9/20/2007 - LAKEWOOD — Moths and weevils are the new allies for county residents working to destroy the invasive weed Eurasian milfoil in Chautauqua Lake.
On Wednesday, Bob Johnston, Cornell University professor, gave the Chautauqua Lake Association its 2006-07 lake report at the Bemus Point Casino. Johnston said Cornell is in its fifth year of a multi-year contract with the CLA analyzing the lake.
Johnston reported on Cornell's study of insect population on milfoil. The professor said aquatic moths and weevils were added to Burtis Bay in 2002 to see how it would effect the invasive weed. From 14 different stations, Cornell has discovered the insects are having a positive effect on milfoil.
''We have seen a lot of damage to milfoil,'' he said.
Johnston said Chautauqua Lake is a major part of Cornell's study on how herbivores — moths and weevils — effect milfoil.
''We're attempting to associate the density of herbivores with damage to water milfoil caused by herbivores,'' he said.
Johnston wasn't done describing items destroying the invasive weed that is damaging the water quality of Chautauqua Lake. He also said caddis flies are also destroying milfoil, even though there is not enough data at this time to find out how much damage is being done by the water insects.
Also, Johnston said blue green algae is also draining nutrients from weak milfoil that has been damaged by moths and weevils, which is also helping to kill the invasive weed.
Even with the positive news about insects destroying milfoil, Johnston stressed other areas residents can continue to work on to improve the quality of the lake.
''Continue to promote good watershed practices,'' he said. ''Also, limit erosion, nitrogen and phosphorus going into the lake.''
Johnston said next year the group will be studying native aquatic plants in the lake.
On Wednesday, Bob Johnston, Cornell University professor, gave the Chautauqua Lake Association its 2006-07 lake report at the Bemus Point Casino. Johnston said Cornell is in its fifth year of a multi-year contract with the CLA analyzing the lake.
Johnston reported on Cornell's study of insect population on milfoil. The professor said aquatic moths and weevils were added to Burtis Bay in 2002 to see how it would effect the invasive weed. From 14 different stations, Cornell has discovered the insects are having a positive effect on milfoil.
''We have seen a lot of damage to milfoil,'' he said.
Johnston said Chautauqua Lake is a major part of Cornell's study on how herbivores — moths and weevils — effect milfoil.
''We're attempting to associate the density of herbivores with damage to water milfoil caused by herbivores,'' he said.
Johnston wasn't done describing items destroying the invasive weed that is damaging the water quality of Chautauqua Lake. He also said caddis flies are also destroying milfoil, even though there is not enough data at this time to find out how much damage is being done by the water insects.
Also, Johnston said blue green algae is also draining nutrients from weak milfoil that has been damaged by moths and weevils, which is also helping to kill the invasive weed.
Even with the positive news about insects destroying milfoil, Johnston stressed other areas residents can continue to work on to improve the quality of the lake.
''Continue to promote good watershed practices,'' he said. ''Also, limit erosion, nitrogen and phosphorus going into the lake.''
Johnston said next year the group will be studying native aquatic plants in the lake.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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