Baby Doll by O.M. Braida © 2006 · 2018. 6. 20. · Baby Doll by O.M. Braida © 2006 This 2006...

International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society

Volume 21, Number 44th Quarter, 2006

Nelumbo ‘Baby Doll’ by O.M. Braida © 2006 This 2006 Symposium poster was created from an original watercolor, painted by Olivia Marie Braida-Chiusano especially for the occasion. Ms. Braida is an internationally acclaimed botanical artist, with artwork in the Hunt Institute of Botanical Documentation in Pittsburgh, PA, as well as numerous private collections around the world. Three formats of the unframed artwork were available for purchase at the Symposium -- posters, signed numbered editions, and artist proofs. The Academy of Botanical Art sponsored the poster and is donating a portion of future sales (all formats) to the IWGS. If you would like to purchase one, please contact the IWGS office for further details. They are printed on 26” x 26.5” (66cm x 67.3cm) archival paper, suitable for framing.

Color Sponsor for this Issue

Design F&L (Ireland) Ltd. is proud to sponsor this issue of the IWGS Water Garden Journal. Color is brought to our Journal thanks to Gordon Ledbetter’s generous donation. You can contact him at [email protected] or tel and fax 003531 4970439.

If you are interested in sponsoring color covers, please contact the office.

Vol. 21, No. 4 The Water Garden Journal

Additional entries from the 2006 New Waterlily Competition See page 20 for details on the 2007 Competition

N. ‘Cyprus Pink Star’ by Andreas Protopapas

N. ‘Holden Violet’ by Randy McDonald

N. 'Indigo’ by Ponds of Reflection

N. ‘John Wedgewood’ by Andreas Protopapas

N. ‘Larissa Racine’ by Ken Landon

N. ‘Maliblue by Randy McDonald

N. ‘Midnight Embers’ by Luster Aquatic Nursery

N. ‘Ostara’ by Luster Aquatic Nursery

N. ‘Sunray’ by Randy McDonald

N. ‘Swangjitra’ by Slearmlarp Wasuwat

Vol. 21, No. 4 The Water Garden Journal Page 23

Kathy Hanes at Florida Aquatic Nurseries packs the 82 waterlilies donated from North America. More than 110 varieties will be

included in the completed Collection.

Khunying Suchada Sripen inspects the first batch of waterlilies in Thailand. Specimens from Australia, Israel, New Zealand, and

Germany will arrive later.

When complete, the waterlily collection will highlight more than 26 international hybridizers.

Temporary home for new arrivals. The second waterlily shipment will arrive in February, along with the lotuses.

Donated Victoria seedlings will be grown out to complement the tropical and hardy waterlilies.

The Thai International Waterlily Collection at King Rama IX Public Park – Bangkok, Thailand

Photos by Brad McLane and Viroj Hirunyupakorn See page 16 for article


In This IssuePage 3 President’s Comments by Tom Tilley Page 4 IWGS Committee Chairs Page 5 Executive Director’s Comments

by Paula Biles Affiliate Societies

by Tom FrostPage 6 Grower’s Corner

by David Curtright Page 7 Use of Plant Growth Regulators to

Enhance Viviparous Waterlily Propagation

by Michael Kane and Philip KauthPage 11 Extreme Pond Plants by Rowena Burns Page 12 Pest & Disease Control in the

Water Garden by Kelly Billing

Page 16 IWGS Happenings Page 18 2007 IWGS Symposium in

ThailandInformation provided by our Thai hosts, gathered by Cathy Green

Page 19 2007 Aquatic Arts Competition by Suzan Phillips Page 20 2007 Hall of Fame

by Rolf Nelson 2007 New Waterlily Competitionby Stu Shuck

Page 21 News & Notes John Fisk Allen’s Victoria Regia for Auction

by Paula Biles, Ex. Dir. Page 22 Society Information

As all of you read this, I would like to extend my wishes to our members for a healthy and happy New Year wherever you may be. Our southern hemisphere members are hopefully enjoying their summer season while those of us in the northern hemisphere are slowly winding down, while trying to stay warm. With the change of seasons and a “slower” time for some of us I would like to ask that we all give some consideration as to what we may be able to contribute to the IWGS. No, I am not asking for monetary donations, (although if you really want to donate we can talk) what I am asking for are donations of time and expertise.

It has come to my attention that a sizeable portion of our membership falls into the life category. Of our members from the United States 18% are life members and from outside of the US the percentage of life members is 38%. My interpretation of these numbers tells me we have a lot of expertise out there.

May I ask that our “lifers” (or anyone else with experience) think about contributing articles and stories to our journal? There must be a wealth of history, trials and tribulations, as well as some terrific anecdotes out there. How about sharing some of your favorite stories with the rest of us? Does anyone remember the “blue hardy” at Strawn Water Gardens during the Texas symposium? YES, this group does have a sense of humor. George and Tom may still have blue hands from the dye, and that hotel room sink was never quite the right color after their visit.

I alluded to a “slower” time for some of us, but I would like to say that in fact this is a busy season for the IWGS. A group of very dedicated individuals is hard at work on a number of projects. The symposium task force has been busy planning our upcoming symposium in Thailand. The itinerary looks phenomenal. Check it out on the website and make plans to attend. Our Thai hosts have a number of exciting things planned.

(continued on page 4)

President’s Comments by Tom Tilley

IWGS Memorial Fund Established

The Society has created a Memorial Fund so friends, relatives, and admirers can honor the memory of individuals enthralled by aquatic plants. If you would like to pay tribute and celebrate the life of someone who has directly or indirectly benefited water gardeners, please add your gift to the Fund. Your thoughtful gift will be combined with others and be used for projects to advance water gardening.

A thank you letter will be sent to the honoree’s family.


Front Cover Photo:

Cover photo of Rajamangala Hall in the King Rama IXPublic Park, home of the Thai International WaterlilyCollection and also the site where the Education DayPrograms will be held during the 2007 IWGSSymposium in Thailand.

Mission Statement—The International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society (IWGS), is a non-profit organization of multinational membership dedicated to the furtherance of all aspects of water gardens and their associated plants. As an organization we support and promote education, research, and conservation in these areas.

Volume 21, Number 4. The IWGS Water Garden Journal (ISSN 1069-5982) is published quarterly by The International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society (The Society), 6828 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34027, USA Voice & Fax 941-756-0880, Email [email protected] All rights reserved. © 2006. The Water Garden Journal is indexed in EBSCO’s Garden, Landscape & Horticulture Literature Index.

Bulk rate postage paid at Bradenton FL, USA and additional mailing offices. Basic subscription/ membership rate for one full year is $30. Further details and back issues are available from the administrative office in FL. All changes of address and incidents of non-arrival of journals should be notified to the office in FL. Opinions expressed by authors and any products reviewed are not specifically endorsed by The Society, nor does The Society accept any liability arising from the contents of this journal.

THE WATER GARDEN JOURNAL Volume 21 Number 4

EDITOR FRED MCCORKLE EDITORIAL BOARD JAMES ALLISON PAULA BILES

BARRE HELLQUIST WALTER PAGELS DISTRIBUTION PAULA BILES

The Official Publication of the INTERNATIONAL WATERLILY AND

WATER GARDENING SOCIETY

OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY PRESIDENT TOM TILLEY VICE PRESIDENT ROLF NELSON 2ND VICE PRESIDENT TISH FOLSOM TREASURER TISH FOLSOM SECRETARY ROBERT BURNS EXEC. DIRECTOR PAULA BILES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Stephen Blessing, Rowena Burns

Cathy Green, Larry Nau, Suzan Phillips Jim Purcell, Stuart Schuck

Dael Wright, Charles Thomas

www.iwgs.org

REGISTRARS Nymphaea Registration

Andrew Doran - [email protected] Nelumbo Registration

Virginia Hayes - [email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVE ADDRESS and SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES


6828 26th St W., Bradenton, FL 34207, USA

Voice & Fax 941-756-0880 M-F 9am-1pm EST

[email protected]

EDITORIAL ADDRESS Fred McCorkle

IWGS Water Garden JournalP. O. Box 7554, North Port, FL 34287 USA

941-423-1836 [email protected]


Our newsletter competition is taking place again. The submissions are coming in and will be reviewed by our panel of judges. Another group is hard a work on a redesign and updated configuration of our website. Check out our website regularly to see the additions and look for changes. There will be a number of new things coming.

The executive committee has approved the addition of Jim Purcell and Verena Liechti as acting co-registrars to assist our current registrar, Andrew Doran in the registration of Nymphaeaceae. The IWGS has been the International Cultivar Registration Authority (ICRA) for waterlilies and lotus since 1988. As a volunteer in this position, Mr. Doran had requested assistance and the IWGS is fortunate to have several volunteers step forward. The use of a world renowned data base (BG Base) for this process is very exciting. The capabilities within BG Base are truly phenomenal.

It is with some sadness and trepidation that I have to tell our membership that a task force has been established for the purpose of finding a new executive director for the Society. The task force consists of Rolf Nelson, Tish Folsom, Dael Wright, and Tom Tilley. Paula Biles will be leaving the executive director position at the end of 2007. The job description under which Paula was hired is being reviewed and revised as necessary. If anyone reading this has an interest in receiving a copy of the job description for their consideration please get in touch with Tish Folsom or myself.

My heartfelt thanks go out to all of the individuals I have mentioned in this column as well as all of the other volunteers whom I did not get to mention by name, but are no less important!

See you around the pond.

Regards to all, Thomas Tilley

Aquatic Art Competition TF Suzan Phillips

Aquatic Plant Selection TF Bob Burns

AuditWayne Davis

Constitution/ Bylaws Rowena Burns

ExecutiveTom Tilley

FundraisingRolf Nelson

Honors & Awards Rolf Nelson

Int’l Waterlily Preservation Ken Landon

Invasive Species TBA

Journal/Editorial Board Fred McCorkle

LibraryWalter Pagels

MembershipTBA

New Waterlily Competition Stuart Schuck

NominatingRowena Burns

Public Relations Larry Nau

RegistrationAdvisory

Tom Tilley

Research & ScholarshipsBarre Helquist

Special Projects/ Auction

Tish Folsom

Thailand 2007 Symposium TF

Cathy Green and Larry Nau

Trials and Collections

Bob Burns

VictoriaConservancy

Nancy Styler

WebsiteCathy Green

Editor’s Note: We encourage you to become involved with IWGS activities. It’s a great way to learn, network, and help the Society.

To join a committee/task force contact the Chairperson shown above using your Membership Directory or contact the Executive Director, who is an ex-official member of all committees, as is the President.

President’s Comments (continued)

IWGS Committee/ Task Force Chairs


Victoria Update

IWGS member Jorge Monteverde reported the following:

According to Resolution 1609/06 of the Secretary of Environment of Paraguay, Victoria cruziana has been included in the “Preliminary list of threatened wild flora species used in popular medicine” categorized “Vulnerable” in that country.

This category is the first step of three, followed by “Endangered” and “Critically Endangered” described by IUCN (International Union for Conservations of Nature and Natural Resources).

In addition, Nymphaea amazonum and N. prolifera arevulnerable in Rio Grande do Sul estate in Brazil.

Albert Greenberg to be Inducted into Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame

Besides having a tropical waterlily named after him, Albert Greenberg (1896-1993) is considered the father of the tropical fish industry. In 1930 he started Everglades Aquatic Nurseries near Tampa, Florida. There he grew and sold both aquatic plants and tropical fish. Over the years Greenberg also hybridized many varieties of aquatic plants. In essence, Greenberg began Florida’s aquaculture industry, which today exceeds $100 million in sales.

The importance of Greenberg’s accomplishments has long been recognized by tropical fish and plant growers in Florida. That’s why in 1967 Dr. Monroe Birdsey named a now-famous Nymphaea for him. Greenberg was also the first person inducted into the Florida Tropical Fish Farmers’ Hall of Fame. So it is very fitting that the State’s first aquaculture inductee into the Agricultural Hall of Fame will be Albert Greenberg.

If you would like to attend the ceremony in Tampa, FL on February 13, please contact IWGS member Jim Thiele at 305-247-2997 or [email protected]. He hopes the IWGS will be well represented to join the festivities and celebrate the importance of aquaculture (while enjoying the balmy “winter” weather). For more information about Greenberg and the event, visit www.flaghalloffame.com.

An original 1854 Elephant Folio of The Victoria Regia: The Great Water Lily of America is now being auctioned by the IWGS as a fundraiser. While we don’t know the earliest history of our copy, we do know Dr. Henry Conard owned it and before 1971 willed it to Perry Slocum. Peter Slocum donated it to the Society in 2006. (Read more about its interesting provenance in Vol. 21:3, and see the complete book (reduced size) in Vol. 2:1.

This is a milestone work in the history of botanical art, publishing, and of course, water gardening. As the first chromolithograph in the United States, it earned a place in history while bringing Victoriainformation to countless readers through the years.

In perfect condition this artwork is worth a small fortune. As a result, most existing copies are in museums and large library archives. Our copy has a unique history but has had wear over the last century and a half. The color is very good in the existing plates (we have 5 of the original 6) and most owners would probably have them individually framed. The text is still clear and highly readable, although the pages have some tears. Art conservators can work wonders, especially since this work has such wide margins on all pages. The brittle pages are now stabilized in plastic sleeves and have been extensively photographed for documentation.

Here is a chance to own an important and unique piece of water gardening history, one that is both beautiful and significant. Written bids may be submitted, by March 1, to the office via mail, email, or fax. They should be accompanied by complete contact information. The opening bid is $4,500 US. In the event of a tie, the bidders will have an opportunity to re-bid.

For those interested, digital images can be provided via email or a CD with all the images can be sent. Contact the office with questions or to request pictures.

News & Notes John Fisk Allen’s Victoria Regia for Auction

by Paula Biles, Executive Director


Rising momentum is hard to quantify and even harder to see. It’s often invisible to the casual observer until pointed out. So, for those who haven’t noticed the increasing number of people submitting material for the Water Garden Journal,here is the count for this issue. In addition to our 5 regular columnists, we received feature articles from 2 others. That was filled out with news and items submitted by 8 others, plus a sponsorship of the color covers by 1 more. The grand total of people contributing material for this issue is 14. In today’s click and run world, that is a major accomplishment. Learning from each other is one of the biggest benefits of this diverse and knowledgeable group, so we’re delighted to hear from you. Send your contributions for future issues to Fred.

Renewal notices were sent out last month. If you haven’t yet paid your annual dues, please send them in today.

Yes, it’s most certainly true, time flies. It’s been four and a half years since I became our first executive director. Time has flown by quickly. The IWGS work has been very interesting and rewarding, especially planning for the 2006 Symposium here in Florida. However my other projects (especially writing and lecturing) have been put on the back burner awaiting the day when I could devote all my energy to them. So the time is right for me to plan the next phase of my water garden career. Unfortunately that means leaving this position by the end of 2007. Afterwards I will continue to work on IWGS activities, but as a volunteer on some of my favorite projects. Until then, work will proceed as usual on our activities and projects to support education, research, and conservation of aquatic plants.

Our New Waterlily Postcard has become an annual favorite. This year’s is even better than last. Additional copies can be purchased for resale or for mailing to friends, customers, club members, or botanical garden visitors.

The Tiniest of All

Rio Grande Botanic Garden

The Rio Grande Botanic Garden is part of the beautiful Albuquerque Biological Park located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, along with the Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Zoo and Tingley Beach. Located across the plaza from the Albuquerque Aquarium and bordered on the west by the famed Rio Grande River and the largest cottonwood gallery forest in the world, the lush and peaceful Rio Grande Botanic Garden is a proclaimed “oasis in the desert”. There is also a koi pond for your viewing pleasure.

The Garden currently encompasses 36 developed acres, including a 10,000 square foot glass conservatory housing native and exotic plants from desert and Mediterranean climate zones and the seasonal Butterfly Pavilion featuring hundreds of free-flying North American butterflies and moths. The Butterfly Pavilion is open May 26 through September 30 daily from 9am to 5 pm (to 6pm Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 3).

The Albuquerque Biological Park is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums whose mission is to guide, encourage and support the zoos, aquariums, and like-minded organizations of the world in animal care and welfare, environmental education and global conservation.

Location, Phone and Hours of Operation

2601 Central Ave. NW at the intersection of Central and New York Avenues, just east of the Central Bridge in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

Phone: (505) 764-6200

Open every day of the week, 9am - 5pm Extended hours Saturdays and Sundays from June 5 to September 3, 2006: 9am - 6pm.

For more information, please visit their website at: www.cabq.gov/biopark.

Executive Director’s Commentsby Paula Biles

Affiliate Societies by Tom Frost


There are many outstanding individuals throughout the world who have made or are making significant contributions to the furtherance of water gardening and aquatic plants. Our recognition of their achievements is a vital part of our Society. Each year we induct into the IWGS Hall of Fame individuals who have made significant contributions to the field. Nominations are now being solicited from all members for 2007 inductees.

Individuals nominated may be alive or deceased; the primary criteria are that their contributions should be notable. They may be hybridizers, plant collectors, writers, public aquatic garden superintendents, growers, or others who have significantly contributed to achievement of the Society’s missions. These are the furtherance of all aspects of water gardens and their associated plants, and to support and promote education, research, and conservation in these areas.

It is very important to include relevant information, references, etc. to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in selecting the most outstanding candidates. The contributions of the nominees must be listed in sufficient detail to enable the Committee to make a judgment, communicate the information to the Society, and also to compose a meaningful description for the permanent record in the IWGS Hall of Fame. Nominations from previous years are considered each year to make sure that the very best candidates are chosen.

Nominations should be sent by March 31, 2007 to:

Rolf Nelson, IWGS Vice President c/o Nelson Water Gardens

1502 Katy Fort Bend Co Rd Katy, TX 77493 USA

281-391-4769/Fax 281-391-8626 [email protected]

Present Hall of Fame members (listed in order of induction) are: George H. Pring; Bory Latour Marliac; Henry S. Conard; Perry D. Slocum; Frances Perry; William Tricker; Joseph Paxton; Patrick Nutt; Walter Pagels; Bill Heritage; Norman H. Bennett; John & Mary Mirgon; Charles B. Thomas; Dr. Robert Kirk Strawn; Martin E. Randig; Ray G. A. Davies; Charles O. Masters; Jack A. Wood; Philip Swindells; Karl Wachter; Dr. Edward L. Schneider; Jean Laydeker; Dr. Clyde Ikins; Joseph Tomocik; Dr. Slearmlarp Wasuwat; William C. Frase; Dr. Robert Caspary; Dr. C. Barre Hellquist; James Gurney, Sr.; Kenneth Landon; Betsy Sakata; Dr. Donald Les; Gordon Ledbetter; James Allison; William Phillips; Don Bryne; Charles Winch; and Rich Sacher.

2007 Call For Intention to Participate

The IWGS New Waterlily Competition Committee is looking for interested individuals and companies who wish to make entries in the 2007 competition. This is a call for intention to participate. If any Nymphaea hybridizer or introducer would like to submit varieties to be grown for the competition please send a letter postmarked by the 28th of February, 2007, or fax to the IWGS office (see page 22 for address), with the following information about each plant:

1. Name of the hybridizer/ introducer 2. Name of the cultivar 3. Hardy/Tropical 4. Size ( dwarf, small, medium, or large) 5. Flower color 6. Is the plant registered? 7. Date of introduction 8. Brief description, describing the

waterlily’s unique characteristics 9. Your contact information: phone, fax,

address, and email

Any questions concerning the competition can be directed to me at [email protected]

2007 IWGS New Waterlily Competition

by Stu Shuck

Nominations for Hall of Fameby Rolf Nelson


“This allows me to have dozens of plants

growing in late winter/early spring”

Grower’s Corner by David Curtright

Seeds or Cuttings?

As autumn descends, many bog plants finish producing seeds as they go dormant, and anybody interested in propagating plants cannot help feeling the pull of those seeds to be collected and then sown in a commodious spot so that they can grow. I make it a point to succumb to that pull every year. Some seeds can be sown immediately, but many must be chilled, which leads to delays in being able to begin growing plants for an upcoming season. Obviously, producing plants from seeds yields more plants than any other method, and some plants are best propagated by seed, but for the interim between when I can grow plants outside in the summer, and the time when I can sow seeds in late winter, I use another means of propagation—divisions and cuttings.

For many years I have maintained my populations of several species by cutting plants such as Saururusspp., Lobelia, or Phalaris arundinacea variegata just before they go dormant. I can produce many plantlets in very short order. This allows me to have dozens of plants growing in late winter/early spring, which gives my customers a better selection to choose from than they might otherwise have early in the season. Besides, I can’t stand to see all of those plants die unused.

The method is simple, really. I merely cut the stems a few inches above the substrate, clip the leaves off, leaving about a half inch of the petiole or leaf blade, and lay the cuttings on their sides in shallow water. Within two weeks in most cases, new plants emerge from the leaf axils, quickly sprouting roots and leaves. The well-developed young plants can be removed and potted as soon as they have good roots and come away from the parent stem easily. They can frequently go directly into the pot in which they will be sold, unlike many seedlings, which might go through as many as two or three potting stages.

For plants such as Eichhornia paniculata, or Sagittaria montevidensis, which produce small

plants at their bases as they grow in the summer, pulling the plants in the fall can yield several offspring. In the greenhouse, I can keep them growing, or maintain them in stasis for the winter, and then bring them out early in the next season, already established in their pots. Here in southern California, we cannot keep E. paniculata alive over winter, and seeds are too slow for me. They germinate slowly, grow slowly, and are finally ready for market in August, which is too late to sell a plant that is an annual. My method of separating them in October, then potting them in old soil, keeping them in shallow water, and high in the greenhouse, yields marketable plants in March.

This is also a good time to work with potted plants such as Typha spp. It is possible to glean as many as fifty new starts of T. laxmannii, or Sagittaria tubers from a 2-gallon potting. I always have a few pottings of T. laxmanniiat the end of each season from my clients’ formal ponds, and I set them up for just this purpose. Splitting them up and growing them in the greenhouse now, rather than waiting for them to begin to

grow in the spring can mean having plants available as early as late February. Also, harvesting and storing or growing them can protect them from animals or fungus.

However growers who obtain growing stock, cuttings, seeds, or even pre-grown plugs, he must fit the method to their needs, time constraints, and to the facilities in which the plants will be grown in order to avoid waste. It is easy to produce thousands of specimens of some plants, but if you only sell hundreds, or dozens of them, then it is overkill. It is possible to have a sale on those plants that we have too many of, but even so, it is better to tailor the method to the need. My use of cuttings at the end of the season fills both my need for new plant material, and my need to succumb to the pull of those plants as autumn descends.


2007 Aquatic Arts Competition by Suzan Phillips

The 2nd annual competition is shaping up to be even better than last year’s. Once again the rules are simple:

• Artwork must depict water gardens or things that live in or around the water garden.

• Both adults and children can enter. • Entry is free for IWGS members (up to 3

entries). Non-member fees are $30 for adults, $15 for age 18 and under.

• Deadline is April 30.

Competition Categories (There are separate divisions for Adults, Teens, and Youth.)

Photography (film or digital) B&W Illustration (including scientific drawing)Color Illustration (including scientific drawing & painting)

Mixed Media Artwork by Kiddikoos (children age 4-6)

Check www.iwgs.org for a form or call 941-756-0880 to request one. If you have any questions, please send them to [email protected] or call.

The artwork entered last year was marvelous (see www.iwgs.org or our previous issue to see the winning entries). Even the distinguished panel of judges commented on the quality of entries. “I was encouraged to see a mix of science and art. Even the youth group found ways to shoot film with a creative eye. Bravo to all!” (Olivia Braida Chiusano) and “All mixed media were to a very high standard.” (Barbara Davies)

Since all entries must be submitted in electronic format, geographic boundaries aren’t an obstacle and we expect submissions from around the globe. Here is a wonderful opportunity for some creativity from you, your children, your customers, and/or your club members. Share how you see the beauty in your pond with others who will appreciate it. Who knows, you may get lucky and win an award … or even “The Lily.”

Grace Connett, proud winner of the Youth category photography, with her award.

A beautiful crystal award, “The Lily” will be presented to the Grand Prize winner.


2007 IWGS Symposium in Thailand, July 16-27 Information provided by our Thai hosts, gathered by Cathy Green

The last issue (Vol. 21:3) gave many details about our schedule, which begins on July 16 with a Pre-Symposium in Chaing Mai at the Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens. Some attendees may fly there directly, others may first arrive in Bangkok. One of the many things planned while in Chaing Mai is to attend the royal Flora Ratchaphruek, which is the first world class horticultural exposition in Southeast Asia. The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 has been organized by the Royal Thai government to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the throne and His Majesty’s eightieth birthday. It is full of water garden displays, over 50,000 orchids, and exhibits and gardens from 30 countries. For further information on The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek go to www.royalfloraexpo.com.

Other symposium highlights include the new Thai International Collection of Waterlilies at King Rama IX Royal Park. Also included at the gardens is the 16 acres of water gardens, home to aquatic birds and fish, various aquatic plants thriving in shallow canals including Victoria waterlily, hardy and tropical waterlily, lotus and marginals. We will also see water gardens and water plants at Queen Sirikit Gardens, the Chatuchak plant market, and Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens.

The registration form for the 2007 Thailand Symposium will be mailed soon. The following details for the hotels are listed on the IWGS web site and include:

The Queen Sirikit Gardens Resort which offers a limited number of rooms. Rooms are for 2 people and include breakfast for 1,200-1,400 baht/room. www.thai-tour.com/thai-tour/North/Chiangmai/hotel/botanic

A second hotel available in Chaing Mai is the Lotus Pang Suan Gaew, in downtown Chiang Mai. Rooms are 900 baht/room at the old wing and 1,200 Baht/room at Suthep wing (new wing). chiangmaihotels.chiangdao.com/lotuspangsuankaewhotel/details.htm

The Host Hotel in Bangkok is The Royal Princess Srinakarin Hotel. bangkok-srinakarin.royalprincess.com A deluxe single is

3,200 Baht/room per night. Deluxe twin is 3,500 baht/room per night. Guest benefits include full breakfast, welcome drink upon arrival, free use of health club, steam and sauna except massage, and a daily newspaper. This rate includes service charge and government tax.

Symposium fees are available for 3, 5 and 7 days: 3 days (20-22 July) = 8,000 baht 5 days (18-22 July) = 12,000 baht 7 days (16-22 July) = 18,000 baht

Passports are required for travel to Thailand. Tourists staying no longer than 30 days do not need a visa. For longer stays, obtain a visa in advance. Please look for further information on our IWGS web site at www.iwgs.org.

All attendees should check their government websites for health and travel regulations plus current exchange rates. US travelers can go to www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm to obtain health information and visit www.state.gov/travelandbusiness for travel details.

Schedule Summary Monday, July 16 – Chaing Mai -- Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden; Monkey School; Orchid Nursery; dinner theater; night bazaar Tuesday, July 17 – Elephant Conservation Center; Celadon Factory; Temple; Flora Ratchaphruek exhibition; night safari Wednesday, July 18 – Bangkok – plant market Thursday, July 19 – King Rama IX Royal Park; view Thai Collection; Grand Palace; dinner along Chao-Praya River Friday, July 20 -- Education Day – international experts from Australia, China, Thailand and the United States present seminars on aquatic plants; banquet Saturday, July 21 – aquatic nursery; Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens Sunday, July 22 – ornamental fish nursery; pottery factory; weekend market

Since international travel is always dynamic and fluid, we plan to provide regular updates via our website. Please check it often for the latest information about schedules and travel.


Use of Plant Growth Regulators to Enhance Viviparous Waterlily Propagation

by Michael Kane and Philip Kauth

Introduction

There is no argument that some of the most popular flowering water garden plants include species and hybrids of both tropical and temperate waterlilies (Nymphaea). Demand for water garden plants, particularly waterlilies, can exceed total production capacity, particularly of extremely popular varieties. One of the restraints for the water garden industry’s full potential for waterlily production has been the reliance on often inefficient vegetative propagation techniques of rhizome division or tuber production which, when combined with large production space requirements and the extended time period required to produce a salable plant, all contribute to high production costs. These limitations can prevent growers from adjusting to rapid changes in market demand for specific waterlilies or the rapid release of new varieties.

Development of potentially more efficient propagation techniques for water garden plant production, such as in vitro propagation (plant tissue culture) has been explored. While considerable progress has been made in developing tissue culture procedures for various water garden plants, particularly submerged and bog plants, only minimal advances have been made toward developing commercially viable in vitro propagation protocols for waterlily production (Kane et al. 1988; Jenks et al. 1990; Kane 1992). Problems associated with culture contamination and low rates of shoot regeneration have been reported (Swindells, 1990; Kane, 1992). Applying plant growth regulators (PGR) to enhance rhizome bud break and propagation efficiency of intact waterlilies was proposed almost 20 years ago (Defeo,1987). Although PGRs have proven effective in promoting branching of non-aquatic ornamental plant crops (Henny, 1986; Wang, 1987), the efficacy of PGR application on enhancing waterlily propagation remains largely untested.

Certain tropical waterlily cultivars are asexually propagated via the formation of "viviparous"

(epiphyllous) plantlets. Viviparous plantlets form at the junction of the petiole and the blade (Figure 1A) and often flower while still attached to the parent plant. Due to incomplete plantlet development, this method of propagation can be inefficient for some cultivars. Some years ago we examined the influence of the PGR Promalin® on viviparous plantlet growth in the tropical waterlilies Nymphaea ‘Daubenyana’ and N. ‘Shirley Bryne’. We describe our results in this paper.

Waterlily Culture

Stock plants of Nymphaea ‘Daubenyana’ were generously supplied by Peter Slocum. A single specimen of N. ‘Shirley Bryne’, a cultivar released in 1992, was provided by Don Bryne, Suwannee Laboratories, Inc., Lake City, FL, USA and asexually propagated to increase stock plants. Plants were grown in 5-gallon plastic pots containing Metro-mix 500 growing medium (Sun Gro Horticulture, Bellevue, WA, USA) overlaid with a 2.0 cm layer of quartz sand. Each plant was fertilized monthly with three Scotts 16.8N-7.4P-13.9K Controlled Release Fertilizer Tablets (Scotts-Sierra, Maryville, OH, USA). Waterlilies were cultured under full sun in 2.44 m x 2.44 m x 50.8 cm (8 ft x 8 ft X 20 in) outdoor tanks constructed of landscape timbers lined with Permalon® PLY X-210 polyolefin film (Reef Industries, Houston, TX, USA).

Promalin®, a proprietary formulation of 1.8% (w/v) 6-benzyladenine (BA), a cytokinin, and a mixture of two gibberellins GA4+7 is manufactured by Valent BioSciences Corporation (Libertyville, IL, USA) and is commercially available from Agri-Turf Supplies, Inc., Santa Barbara, CA, USA. It is primarily used to increase fruit size in apples. Promalin® was serially diluted with deionized water to prepare stock solutions containing 0, 250, 500, or 1000 mg/liter (parts per million) BA and GA4+7. To promote penetration, several drops of Tween-20, a wetting agent, was added to the diluted Promalin® solutions. Each treatment consisted of a 50 μL drop of a


Figure. 1. A. Immature viviparous plantlet on floating leaf of Nymphaea ‘Daubenyana’. B. Elevation of floating leaf with a white Styrofoam collar and application of a 50 μL Promalin® droplet directly to a viviparous plantlet using a Pipetman adjustable pipette. C. Effect of Promalin® concentration on viviparous plantlet development after 21 days. Note enhanced growth and presence of flower buds on plantlets treated with 250 mg/L Promalin®. Brown margins on parent plant leaves are due to drying following elevation of the blades by the Styrofoam float collars.


IWGS Happenings The aim of preserving rare or endangered varieties remains a primary purpose of the International Collections and they are expected to exchange varieties to ensure that the rare waterlilies are located in geographically diverse locations to preserve the unique genetic material. International Collections may also volunteer to trial varieties.

We encourage the formation of specialized collections - such as Blue Tropicals, or Dwarf Waterlilies, or Marliac Reds etc. We discourage a motley collection just thrown together. The waterlilies must be grown on-site and well-maintained from year to year, and the collection (waterlilies or lotus).

Application forms and further details will be available shortly on the IWGS website.

Robert K. Burns Collections Chair

Research Grants

Thanks to the generosity of numerous businesses who donated products and Florida Symposium attendees who bid on them, the 2006 Symposium’s Special Auction raised enough money so the 2007 research awards will total $5000. The IWGS plans to award a small number of research awards in 2007 (ranging from $500-$5000 each) to support aquatic plant research. Deadline for application is February 15, 2007, with awards announced by March 30, 2007. You may want to pass this announcement on to any academic establishments local to you where aquatic research is being conducted.

This program provides financial support to graduate students, faculty, and other professionals pursuing applied research. Grants may be used to purchase needed equipment, conduct travel, or supplement salaries. Proposals focused on applied research, which would be considered of practical use to a significant percentage of membership will be given preference. Examples would be verification of hybrid parentage, tolerance of plants to extreme conditions (e.g. drying, or cold temperatures), use of tissue culture to propagate difficult species or hybrids, travel to obtain important parental species

for possible hybridization, and control of invasive aquatics in ponds.

Changes to online Application guidelines page(go to www.iwgs.org for application)

c. plan of work and methodology: change date to March 31, 2008

d. Budget Page 3. change date to February 15, 2007

Review Process: 1. change date to February 15, 2007 4. change date to March 30, 2007

Where to submit applications and letter of recommendation:

Dr. C. Barre Hellquist Biology Department Unit 9168 Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams, MA 01220, USA (413) 662-5342 (413) 662-5010 fax [email protected]

or Paula Biles, Executive Director IWGS 6828 26th St. W Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 756-0880 p/fax [email protected]

IWGS Executive Director Position Opening

Treasurer and 2nd Vice President, Tish Folsom, is chairing the Task Force to hire a new executive director (ED) to replace Paula Biles, who will be leaving before year’s end. This half-time paid contract position serves as the IWGS’ central point of contact and acts as headquarters for the Society. The majority of duties involve record keeping plus gathering and disseminating information for the use of members and others. The ED will be responsible for day-to-day activities, while supporting all Board and committee activities.

If you would be interested in the position or know of someone who may, call Tish (540-337-4507) for additional details or to submit a name.


specific Promalin® dilution applied with a Pipetman adjustable pipette (Rainin Instrument, Woburn MA) directly to immature (1.0 - 3.0 mm long) viviparous plantlets on the floating leaves (Figure 1B). Often the viviparous plantlets are partially submerged. To prevent the PGRs from washing off the plantlets after application, a 5 cm x 4 cm x 1.5 cm Styrofoam collar was attached to the petiole of each floating leaf to elevate the blade (Figure 1B). Treatment applications were made on day 0, 3, 7, 14, and 17 with six replicate plantlets per treatment. Measurements of viviparous plantlet height and basal diameter were made prior to each application. Final growth measurements were made on day 21. Regression analysis was performed on logarithmically transformed data.

Results and Discussion

Nymphaea ‘Daubenyana’ is considered a highly viviparous waterlily (Masters, 1974). Promalin® application significantly promoted viviparous plantlet development. There was a highly significant positive linear relationship between plantlet basal diameter (data not shown) and height (Figure 2) and Promalin® concentration. Treatment with either 250 or 500 mg/liter Promalin® significantly enhanced plantlet basal diameter (Figure 1C) over the control. However, maximum plantlet height (276% increase over untreated plantlets) was achieved following application of 250 mg/liter Promalin® (Figure 1C & 2). By day 21, plantlets treated with five 50 μliter applications of 250 mg/liter Promalin® were unbranched and highly rooted [mean: 11.3 roots/plantlet] with each plantlet consisting of multiple leaves with elongated petioles and flower buds [mean: 2.8 flower buds/plantlet] (Figure 1C). Treatment with 1000 mg/liter Promalin® severely burned the viviparous plantlets following the second application and resulted in death (Figure 2). This burning was probably related to toxic effects of the proprietary organic solvent used in Promalin® to keep the PGRs in solution. This burning effect should be taken into account if using this product. Using lower concentrations with greater applications may limit this problem. Elevating the bases of the leaves with the Styrofoam blocks caused some drying of the leaf margins of the parent plant around the plantlet (Figure 1C). However, this apparently had no effect on viviparous plantlet growth.

Nymphaea ‘Shirley Bryne’ is a moderately viviparous waterlily in which many of the viviparous plantlets produced often do not develop to a transplantable size. Promalin® application also significantly promoted epiphyllous plantlet basal diameter (not shown) and height in N ‘Shirley Bryne’ (Figure 3) but to a lesser degree than N.‘Daubenyana’. Regardless of treatment, neither flower buds nor root development was observed on any N. ‘Shirley Bryne’ plantlets by day 21. Such differences in responses between cultivars may be the result of differing sensitivities to PGR concentration, type and/or combinations.

Applied cytokinins promote both bud growth and branching in many horticultural plants (Henny, 1986; Wang, 1987). Cytokinin-induced branching has also been shown to be enhanced by also applying GA4+7(Cody et al. 1985; Popenoe and Barritt, 1988). Although Promalin® application promoted viviparous plantlet growth, no branching was observed in the two waterlilies tested. This actually supported our earlier observation that cytokinins do not promote branching of viviparous plantlets of N.‘Daubenyana’ in vitro (Jenks et al. 1990). These results, while preliminary, indicate that applications of cytokinin (BA) and gibberellins enhance viviparous plantlet development (not branching) in waterlilies and that the effectiveness appears to be cultivar dependent. Additional research is required to determine the effects of: 1) other cytokinins alone and in combination with gibberellins; 2) PGR concentration and frequency of application on viviparous plant development; and 3) PGR delivery by spray application. Any long-term effects of plant growth regulator treatment on the growth and development of the plantlets once they attain transplanting size should be determined for each cultivar tested. Presoaking of rhizomes with PGRs may be another method for enhancing branching on hardy waterlily rhizomes.

Literature Cited

Cody, C. A., E. Larsen, and R. Fritts. 1985. Stimulation of lateral branch development in tree fruit nursery stock with GA4+7 + BA. HortScience 20: 758-759.

Defeo, R. 1987. Notes on the propagation of hardy waterlilies. The Water Garden Journal 3(1):6.


IWGS Happenings The Thai International Waterlily

Collection at King Rama IX Public Park – Bangkok, Thailand

The Thai International Waterlily Collection is the result of the commitment and generosity of waterlily growers and hybridizers from around the world. At this point we have over 18 contributors to this project. When complete, this historic collection will span over 120 years of waterlily cultivation and hybridization. The waterlilies span the work of early pioneers such as Bory Latour-Marliac and William Tricker, an continues onto contemporary hybridizers such as Rich Sacher, Hazorea and Perry Slocum to name a few. The Thai collection will highlight over 110 varieties of hardy and tropical waterlilies from 26 of the most prominent waterlily hybridizers from around the globe.

Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the waterlilies provided for the collection. Where possible the plants were sought from the original hybridizer or source. Upon our arrival in Thailand in July for the Symposium the collections committee will review the collection and verify the waterlilies. On July 20, 2007 the IWGS will officially grant the Thai collection full IWGS International Certified Collection status. This remarkable collection will be a gift to mark King Bhumipoladuldej’s 80th

anniversary and to mark the 20th anniversary of the King Rama IX Public Park, which is the home of this collection. It is also a gift to the Thai people so that they may experience, enjoy and learn about waterlilies long after the IWGS Symposium of 2007.

A special thank you is given to Florida Aquatic Nurseries for their assistance and expertise in shipping the majority of the plants from the United States in early October 2006. We would also like to acknowledge the support and participation of Denver Botanic Gardens and Longwood Gardens in this effort. From Australia, Andre and Julia Leu provided a magnificent selection of Australian waterlilies from their own personal collection. Generosity such as this is the story that repeats itself from Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Israel and the United States. To quote IWGS President Thomas Tilley, “This collection demonstrates the international spirit of the IWGS to come together to

educate, to provide live specimens for further research and to conserve the beauty of the magnificent flowers of Nymphaea.” See www.iwgs.org for complete listing of waterlilies, donors and additional photos as the collection develops.

Larry Nau Thai, Collection Task Force Chairperson

Editor’s Note: Thanks to our sponsor, photos from this collection can be seen in color on page 23.

IWGS Collections Program

We have recently expanded the Certified Collections Program in order that more people may have access to a properly named and well-grown selection of waterlilies or lotus. With the proliferation of less knowledgeable places selling waterlilies it becomes ever more important to have resources like the IWGS Certified Collections to act as a reliable reference point.

There are now four levels of Collections:

Local—a minimum of 15 varieties of waterlilies Regional—a minimum of 35 varieties National—50 or more varieties. International—remains at 75 or more varieties.

These, of course, can be hardy and/or tropical waterlilies or lotus (but not a mixture of waterlilies and lotus).

For all levels, the requirements are:

The waterlilies must be correctly identified, visibly labeled, well-grown and maintained, and available for public viewing at reasonable hours.

Every effort must be made to ensure correct identification. Reference materials are: the monograph Identification of Hardy Nymphaea,Encyclopedia of the Water-Lily by Charles O. Masters, and Waterlilies & Lotuses by Perry D. Slocum, in that order. The IWGS Collections Committee, in consultation with appropriate IWGS experts will have the final determination in case of uncertainty or dispute. The application must include the actual grower, not just the place where it was purchased.


Henny, R. J. 1986. Increasing basal shoot production in a nonbranching Dieffenbachia hybrid with BA. HortScience 21: 1386-1388.

Jenks, M. A., M. E. Kane, F. Marousky, D. McConnell, and T. Sheehan. 1990. In vitroestablishment and epiphyllous plantlet regeneration of Nymphaea ‘Daubenyana’. HortScience 25: 1664.

Kane, M. E., T. J. Sheehan, and F. H. Ferwerda. 1988. In vitro growth of American Lotus embryos. HortScience 23:611-613.

Kane, M. E. 1992. Tissue Culture Propagation of Ornamental Waterlilies. pp. 557-604. In: Volume III. Aquaculture Market Development Aid Program. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Tallahassee, FL.

Masters, C. O. 1974. Encyclopedia of the water-lily. T.F.H. Publications, Inc. Neptune City, N.J.

Popenoe, J. and B. H. Barritt. 1988. Branch induction by growth regulators and leaf removal in ‘Delicious’ apple nursery stock. HortScience 23: 859-862.

Swindells, P. R. 1990. In vitro reproduction of Nymphaea. Proc. Intl. Plant Prop. Soc. 40:299-302.

Wang, Y. T. 1987. Effect of warm medium, light intensity, BA, and parent leaf on propagation of golden pothos. HortScience 22: 597-599.

Figure 2. Effect of Promalin® concentration on viviparous plantlet height in Nymphaea ‘Daubenyana’. Each value represents the mean response of six replicate plantlets. Regression analysis was performed on logarithmically transformed data.

Figure 3. Effect of Promalin® on viviparous plantlet height in Nymphaea ‘Shirley Bryne’. Each value represents the mean response of six replicate plantlets. Regression analysis was performed on logarithmically transformed data.

About the Authors

Dr. Michael Kane is an assistant chair and professor of Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida and the program manager of the Plant Restoration, Conversation and Propagation Biotech Program.

Philip Kauth is a doctoral student who has worked on development of tissue production systems for enhancing the quality of tissue cultured aquarium plants and native orchids.

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Extreme Pond Plants by Rowena Burns

The Extreme Typha

Whatever name you use for them – bulrush, reed mace, Cossack asparagus, or cattails – they are definitely one of the most interesting plants in the aquatic environment. The cattails (Typha) are distributed worldwide with various species known form North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. All the various kinds are remarkable in their similarity to each other, most obviously differing in size. The smallest variety, Typha minima, is very tiny, growing a total of 12 to 18” tall and having cattails as small as ½ to 1”. The largest is probably Typha domingensis of the warmer regions of the Western Hemisphere and Australia, which can grow as tall as 10 feet (3 meters) and produce a “flowering body” or mace more than 1 foot (30cm.) long.

If cattails were not native to most of these areas, they would sometimes be considered as an invasive pest, as they are in some parts of the world. Growth is rapid from seed and from rhizomes. Interestingly enough, they usually only form large colonies or monocultures in areas of disturbance, whether by man, animal or nature. A large stand may actually consist of only a few plants. Mature plants exude a substance to stop Typha seeds from germinating.

Most Typha are not particular about growing conditions. They will grow from damp soil to as much as 4 ft deep for some species (e.g. Typha angustifolia).Some types can survive frost at USDA zone 0, and others grow in tropical climates. Many species tolerate saline or basic soils, and are well known to absorb toxic metals from the environment.

The one circumstance that sets back cattail growth is being trimmed below the surface of the water repeatedly, especially in late summer. This very effective means of control can eliminate as much as 99% of the colony in two years if such is desired. Cattails need to draw in oxygen down to the roots through their leaves to survive, and interrupting this mechanism is often fatal. In garden ponds, cattails will introduce airborne oxygen into the its roots even in the wintertime.

Animals and birds, especially beaver, muskrat and geese, find them a favorite food; many species utilize cattail stands for nests, homes and favorite habitat. The tangled mat of years of leaf growth provides a perfect hidden environment for the smaller less visible marsh inhabitants.

The Typha species are among the most useful of all wild plants. They have long been considered to have medicinal properties, and are edible from the roots to the pollen – every part can be utilized. The roots make excellent flour (yielding as much as 6,000 pounds per acre); the young shoots are excellent as a vegetable (as “Cossack Asparagus”); and the pollen is a high protein food source, often used in South Asian cooking. Cattails are a very useful source of emergency food.

The fluffy down from the “mace” or cattail flower itself has been used for padding shoes, quilts, and pillows for insulation, for sound insulation, and even as a flotation device for lifejackets in WWII. The North American Indians used it for dressing wounds, starting fires, and cushioning cradleboards. The leaves are used for weaving baskets and for chair seats, and in early times the dried leaves and stems made excellent rush?? lights. More unusual uses have been to weave nets from the fibers, and as roofing.

Uses of the Typha plants have not been limited to the traditional. Cattail stands can produce huge amounts of biomass, more than a field of corn (maize) and more than most other renewable crops. This has led to experiments for alternative energy as a fuel source, and for production of cellulose and paper. Typha latifolia, one of the most widespread North American cattails, is a valuable component of constructed wetlands, being used as a very effective filter to clean water and remove toxic substances through reed bed technology. This ability to remove contaminants from water has huge potential.

Next time you look at that very familiar cattail in your pond , have a new appreciation for this extreme plant – with some extremely interesting uses!

For further information, try www.typha.net


Controls

* ~~~ Aphid X Repellent Apply to plants in Spring and Summer once a week to keep

Aphids, Beetles, Caterpillars, Whiteflies, Mites, Leaf Rollers, Mealybugs and a variety of other pests from invading plants. Make sure to liberally cover plants for best results. It becomes odorless shortly after application. Repels up to 7 days. Safe for aquatic and terrestrial plants. Manufactured by Winston Company.

* ~~~ Blade Runner Created by nature 30 million years ago, Blade Runner is composed of tiny silica shells that cut insects. It is extremely safe for fish plants, humans and animals. Effective against most soft-bodied insects such as aphids, caterpillars, mites, slugs, silverfish, cockroaches, beetles, etc. Apply evenly as a dust or mix approximately 3 oz. of Blade Runner with approx. 32 oz. of water including 3 or 4 oz. of vegetable oil to act as a spreader sticker. Manufactured by Clear Pond.

* ~~~ Dylox (Trichloracide) Trichlorfon is the active ingredient for the product most recognized as Dylox. It is marketed under several trade names including Trichloracide. It was removed from the ornamental fish market many years ago but has recently been allowed for use again. Highly toxic to invertebrates. After treatment perform a 50% water change and wait 72 hours before re-introducing invertebrates to the environment.

* ~~~ Herbal Aphid Control Extremely effective for the treatment of Aphids. A contact killer so it is important to spray all the effected surfaces. Rinse plants after use to wash off residue and Aphids. A few plants like Taro and Water Lettuce do not tolerate it well and will show some foliage burn. Manufactured by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals.

* Manual Removal A highly underrated option. Often in small spaces, manual removal of effected foliage, pests or disease is adequate for control. Make certain to place insects or foliage in a sealed container away from the pond or holding areas.


Pest & Disease Control in the Water Garden by Kelly Billing

Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from a presentation that was originally given by Kelly Billing at the IWGS Annual Symposium in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Summer 2005.

Controlling insect pests and disease without harming fish, frogs, tadpoles and other allies like dragonflies in the water garden is always a challenge. There are limited resources that are safe for use. To stay on top of things before they get out of control, plants should be inspected for pest insects at least once a week. Early detection of any infestation will result in a reduction of applied chemicals and/or biological controls.

Whenever possible we try to persuade consumers to use manual removal as opposed to chemical controls. Although it can be time consuming in larger ponds, it is a perfectly viable alternative to chemical controls in small to medium water gardens. It is important to squish and kill the insect pests or trim the affected foliage to remove it and dispose of it in a sealed container away from the pond. Otherwise some of the little buggers will happily make their way back into the water to continue their destruction.

Beneficial insects are also an effective means of control. With the high value consumers place on their fish, many are often willing to use any means necessary to protect them from harsh chemicals. Additionally, insect pests will not build up a resistance to beneficial insects, as can happen with some chemicals.

Lady bug, bat and toad houses are frequently offered for sale but you might want to consider researching housing for other beneficial insects like lace wings, solitary wasps and predator bees. Providing housing for these predators in your own yard is an ideal way to deter the bad bugs. Check out the following websites for some great ideas for insect housing. Many of them are charming and some are quite beautiful. The more innovative ideas are coming out of the UK. Do you know any handy craftsmen?

www.defenders.co.uk/sundries.htm (housing for bugs)www.alanaecology.com/acatalog/Insectboxes.html www.greengardener.co.uk/wildlifeinsects.htm

For detailed information on attracting beneficial insects visit:www.farm-garden.com/cornucopia/attracting_beneficial_insects

Herbal remedies are a minimally toxic and fish-friendly alternative to chemical controls. We recently tested a new herbal product, Aphid X from Winston Company that worked to control not only aphids but mealy bugs, scale and white fly. Deer, armadillo, and skunk are also listed on the product label. We tested it on the most sensitive plants like taro, water lettuce and calla lilies without any adverse affects to the foliage. For more information you may contact Jeff Spillars, the National Account Manager via their website www.WinstonCompany.com. An added bonus to using herbal controls and repellents is that they are contact-kill only. They repel insects, prevent future invasion, and won’t affect beneficial insects in and around the water garden unless they are in the target area.

Use of worm castings has been extremely effective on white fly (see information chart). It has been so successful we now add a handful to every hibiscus pot at the time of planting.

It is also important to inspect and treat plants adjacent to the pond so they don’t re-infest the plants that have been treated. Also, remove weeds in and around the growing area since they can often be the source of the problem.

About the AuthorKelly Billings has worked as the Nursery Manager at Maryland Aquatic Nurseries since its inception in 1987. She is a regular writer for several water gardening publications. As a Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturist, she served on the BOD for the Maryland Nurserymen’s Association.


Pests

Aphids Small soft-bodied insects. They prefer new growth over more hardened foliage, stems or branches. Often the damage from the little sap sucking insects will cause the foliage to deform. Contact insecticides may not be effective on deformed foliage. Aphids may be black, green, brown, orange, red or yellow.

Spider Mites Spider mites pierce individual plants cells to extract the contents. The damage is most noticeable once the infestation is out of control. The foliage will most often appear gray or dusty, especially when the population is high enough that the spider mites begin to form heavy webbing. Greenhouse populations can often be controlled by cutting back the effected foliage and moving the plants outside where natural enemies and rainfall deter their proliferation.

White Fly Found on the undersides of leaves on most crops making them difficult to control. They fly up in mass when the plants are disturbed. Adults fly freely from plant to plant allowing infestations to grow rapidly. Entire leaf surfaces become quickly covered with the nymphs.

Beetles Flea Beetles and Japanese Beetles are the most destructive in the water garden environment. Most injurious to plants while in the adult stage. Foliage damage is primarily very unsightly but does not usually lead to the death of the plant.

Leaf Rollers Most common on Cannas and frequently found on Lotus when in close proximity to Corn fields. Obvious on Cannas due to the threads used to keep the leaves from unfurling. Easily controlled by hand when populations are minor.

China Mark Moth Also known as Sandwich Man because of way it conceals itself between two pieces of chewed off leaf bits. Overwinters as larvae hooked on to old stems. They let go, pupate and two weeks later eggs are laid. It is critical to kill young larvae from the first hatch before they lay eggs. Future outbreaks will be significantly reduced if the first hatch is treated successfully.

Muck Midge A fly larvae that originates in the bottom silt or muck in the bottom of the pond. The tiny almost hair-like larvae surfaces to feed on the foliage of waterlilies and related plants. It is most recognizable by the narrow random lines it chews through the leaf surface. The larvae itself is difficult to see and is hidden in a casing of leaf debris.

Lily Leaf Spot Starts as red or brown spots on lily leaf surfaces. Progresses to include a yellow rings around the initial spots. Ultimately spreads to surrounding leaves and can defoliate the plant if left untreated. Manual removal of all effected foliage can generally deter the spread. Usually occurs in spring during very rainy periods and in the summer during high humidity.

Snails Most snails do not reach population levels that are devastating to plants. The Golden Pond Snail and Apple Snails can, in the absence of predators, destroy waterlily foliage very quickly. Snail damage commonly leaves behind the main vein structure of the leaf.

Tadpoles Although tadpoles do not usually represent a problem, if population levels are out of control they can be quite destructive. Toads are the most likely candidates to lay enough eggs to cause damage. Egg removal is the easiest way to deter population explosions.

Mosquito Mosquito larvae are not damaging to plants but included because of the ease of control. Ostracods Microscopic crustaceans like lobsters or crabs. Most do not exceed 4 mm. They exist in most

aquatic and semi-aquatic environments in both fresh and salt water. When present in large numbers they have a tremendous appetite for tropical night blooming water lilies. Often the damage from Ostracods is mistaken for damage done by snails or tadpoles. They will skeletonize the foliage.

Leeches Nasty little bloodsuckers, need I say more. Anchor Worm, Gill Flukes & Fish Lice

None are damaging to plant material but are easily controlled by some products listed.