Proliferation of the water hyacinth (<i>Eichhornia crassipes</i>) on the river Sô (Sô-Ava) in Bénin

Abstract

Water hyacinth is a plant from America which was imported in Africa as an ornamental plant but because of its proliferation, has become a dangerous aquatic macrophyte. In Benin, it colonizes most courses in continental water. Water hyacinth is present in several areas of the world as an ornamental plant and its infestation can be controlled by several treatments. The objective of this work is to identify them and promote their valuation in order to reduce their dangerousness to the population of aquatic organism as well as their ecosystem. In this regard, a survey was carried out to overcome these problems the people of the town in So- Ava and around face every year on the So River flows into Lake Nokoue. The coverage of the water hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes ) is a major problem for people living in those areas where the plants rage. This plant prevents the movement of motorized boats, prevents the penetration of oxygen in water, which greatly reduces the number of organism such as fish fry, crocodiles nest and boas. © 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: Eichhornia crassipes , So river, aquatic weed, biological control