Chemical Herbicides

This chart is intended to provide an overview of factors to consider when using herbicides to remove aquatic weeds. However, a certified pesticide applicator is required for all use in New York.

Active Chemical Trade Names Target Vegetation # Restrictions to Water Use* Residence Time Potential Effects to Aquatic Ecosystems Method of Application
 
2,4-D Navigate EV, Specific to: coontail; milfoil Consult label; restrictions vary based on formula.

Accumulates in surface water.
Persists in sediment.

 Most formulations show little to no toxicity to organisms.
Degraded microbially in surface water.		 A boat may be required to spray watermilfoil at the water surface.
Qua-Kleen
B24weedar
Weedtrol
 
Copper Copper Sulfate A, SV none Accumulates in sediment. Excessive use could cause lesions on fish gills. Dissolve solid forms (drag bag behind a boat or dissolve before spraying).
cutrine
 
Diquat Reward A, EV, FV, MV, SV d: 14 d,
f: 0 d,
i: 14 d,
lw: 14 d,
s: 0-1d

Photodegrades rapidly inactivated byabsorption to soil and sediment.

Not expected to bioaccumulate.
More toxic to young fish than Endothall or Fluridone.

Cannot be applied in water less than three feet deep.
Must be diluted and applied by surface broadcasting to water without an outlet.
Aquacide
Pellets
 
Endothall Aquathol A, EV, MV, SV d: 25d,
f: 3d,
i: 7-25 d
Absorbs to suspended solids and sediments.

Not expected to bioaccumulate.
High concentrations can cause fish kills.

The water must be treated in sections, over time, by surface spraying to prevent fish suffocation..
Hydrothol
191
 
Fluridone Sonar EV, FV, SV, specific to: milfoil d: not w/in 1/4 mi of intake,
f: none,
lw: none,
s: 1 d		 Deactivated by microbial activity.  

Pellets cannot be used in water less than two feet deep.
Treatment area should be greater than five acres.
 
Glyphosate Rodeo EV, FV d: not w/in 1/2 MI of intake,
f: none,
i: none, lw: none,
s: none		 Readily absorbs to sediments and suspended solids.

Generally not toxic to most organisms.
No bioaccumulation is expected.

 Must be directly applied to the foliage.
 
Simazine Aquazine A, EV, MV   May persist 1-2 months in water column.

Can accumulate in fish, but the potential is low.
Relatively non-toxic to fish and zooplankton.

 Can only be applied to ponds with little or no outflow during the entire summer.
90 WDG
 

# Vegetation Type
A = Algae
MV = marginal
EV = emergent
SV = submersed
FV = floating

* Restriction type
d = drinking 
lw = livestock watering
f = fishing  
s = swimming
i = irrigation

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