Control of Aquatic Weed Eichhornia crassipes Using Florpyrauxifen-benzyl Herbicide—Case Study in Cangkuang Lake (Indonesia)

Abstract

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart). Solms) is a rapidly growing plant that can easily invade water bodies and negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. Cangkuang Lake is currently facing a major issue due to the increased proliferation of this plant species. Although herbicide can be used to manage weeds in aquatic ecosystems to save labor and time, their impact and toxicity on the environment must be considered. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effectiveness of the Florpyrauxifen-benzyl herbicide in controlling water hyacinth in Cangkuang Lake, Garut Regency, West Java, and its impact on water quality. A randomized block design (RBD) was used with eight treatments, and each treatment was replicated four times to obtain a total of 32 experimental plots with a size of 1 m × 1 m. Each plot contained water hyacinth weeds, with a range of 8–10 leaves and a weight range of 250–300 g. The treatment consisted of herbicide with active ingredients Florpyrauxifen-benzyl (5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 g a.i./ha), 2,4-D Dimethyl Amine (DMA) (1200 g a.i./ha), Penoxsulam (25 g a.i./ha), and the control. The study also measured several water quality parameters, including dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and ammonia levels. The results showed that Florpyrauxifen-benzyl, starting at a dose of 15 g a.i./ha, was effective in controlling E.crassipes weeds with a growth reduction percentage of up to 100% and no weed regrowth at 42 DAA (day after application). However, all water quality parameters were within the standard threshold for the Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 22/2021. This study suggests that Florpyrauxifen-benzyl can be an effective herbicide for controlling water hyacinth in Cangkuang Lake, and that its use did not have a negative impact on water quality. However, this study also highlights the importance of considering the potential environmental impact and toxicity of herbicides before their use in aquatic ecosystems.