Alligator weed Ute guide: Impacts, eradication, mitigation and management of terrestrial alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides)

Alligator weed is a very serious threat.

• It is an aggressive perennial plant that thrives both in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
• It spreads via fragments by people, machinery and waterways.
• It is poisonous to stock and can cause ill health to people if eaten.
• It can reduce pasture production and crop yields.
• It can increase expenses for animal health, feed, fertiliser and herbicide.
• Terrestrial alligator weed’s extensive underground root systems resist herbicide translocation making it difficult to control.
• Aquatic alligator weed forms floating mats that obstruct water intake for irrigators and increases flooding to productive land.

It is critical we contain alligator weed’s spread in New Zealand; to minimise its costs on production and restrictions to future land use.