Triploid grass carp can be a beneficial tool when attempting to control persistent pond weeds. Depending on the type of weed, grass carp can provide excellent control or poor control. Submerged weeds like southern naiad and sago pondweed are readily controlled by carp if enough have been stocked in the pond. Triploid grass carp are normally stocked at a rate of 10 to 15 per surface acre of the body of water and they live for about 9 years. So if your pond is 2 acres in size you can put out roughly 25 carp. Other weeds like duckweed, watermeal and bulrushes are not controlled by carp at a level that will effectively manage the problem weed. Grass carp perform best on submerged weeds and macroalgae. If you would like for your pond weed to be identified to see if triploid grass carp could be a potential solution, call North Carolina Cooperative Extension- Lee County Center at 919-775-5624.

Jared Butler is the Agriculture Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Lee County.