The tolerance of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella Val., to aquatic herbicides

Abstract

Because grass carp may feed selectively on water plants, additional conventional methods may be necessary for effective control of aquatic vegetation. For economic reasons aquatic herbicides are most likely to be used in conjunction with grass carp within an integrated aquatic weed control programme. The acutely lethal toxicities of ten herbicides to grass carp were measured. A preliminary evaluation of the risk to these fish showed that, when used at the recommended rate, the maximum herbicide concentration likely to be found in water should cause little harm to the fish, although attention should be given to the possible inhibition of feeding.