Triploid Grass Carp: Status and Management Implications

Abstract

Abstract Triploid grass carp are becoming readily available from commercial producers, who are capable of examining the fish individually to ensure that only triploids are shipped. Moreover, carefully controlled programs in Florida and other states have demonstrated that permitting procedures that require 100% triploids can work. Federal involvement in certification has lessened the load at the state level. Research has indicated that triploids feed and behave similarly to their diploid parents, which makes them effective biological plant control agents. Theory and the available empirical evidence suggest that triploid grass carp will be functionally sterile and will not establish self-sustaining populations. Judicious use of the triploid grass carp is advised because of their propensity to migrate and their predicted longevity (10–15 years). Their greatest benefit will be in reducing costs and reducing the quantities of potentially hazardous herbicides introduced into waters where plants historically hav...