Remote sensing analysis of Lake Livingston aquatic plants, 1975 final report.

Aerial infrared color photography monitored the spread of water hyacinth, hydrilla, coontail, duckweed, and potamogeton in Lake Livingston, Texas during 1974-75, and showed results of attempts to control the plants with the herbicide 2,4-D. The newly-formed lake is fed by the nutrient-rich Trinity River. The spread of the plants among lakes has been linked to trailered boasts. Winter severity strongly influenced subsequent spring infestations; the mild winter of 1973-74 permitted much of the 1973waterhyacinth crop to winter over, and explosive growth occurred by April 1974. Two hard freezes during the winter of 1974-75 seriously damaged the hyacinth mat, delaying growth until June 1975. Chemical control efforts during 1974 proved inadequate. Localized control in 1975 on White Rock Creek was 100% effective, but int the Jungal and elsewhere on the lake, growth was uninterrupted. The freezes prevented the hyacinth from getting a good start, and domination shifted to subnersed plants. A heavy hydrilla infestation occurred in Beacon Bay in 1974, and a lesser infestation was noted in 1975, partially controlled by herbicide tratments. Chemical control experiments conducted on Brushy Creek were also photographed, and a report on those efforts is included. Areial monitoring of the entire lake shoreline is recommended for 1976.