Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Genetic and morphological differences between water chestnut (Myrtales: Lythraceae: Trapa) populations in the northeastern United States, Japan, and South Africa

March 1, 2019

This Special Report (SR) outlines preliminary work conducted under the Aquatic Plant Control Research Program (APCRP) to investigate genetic and morphological differences of Trapa taxa (water chestnut) in the Northeastern (NE) US. Comparisons of morphological characteristics and genetics were made between Trapa populations from the native region of Eurasia and Africa versus the NE US. Unpublished data suggests a new introduction of Trapa (herein referred to as Trapa sp.) has occurred in the Commonwealth of Virginia, US with unknown biology and life history. Observations of morphological and phenological characteristics of this potential new taxon of Trapa differ from those typically found with naturalized Trapa natans reported in the NE US. A better understanding of the biology and ecology of Trapa sp. is warranted to identify control strategies that would benefit water resource managers tasked with management of water chestnut.

Publication Year 2019
Title Genetic and morphological differences between water chestnut (Myrtales: Lythraceae: Trapa) populations in the northeastern United States, Japan, and South Africa
Authors Lynde L. Dodd, Nancy B. Rybicki, Ryan Thum, Yasuro Kadono, Kadiera Searfoss Ingram
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype Federal Government Series
Series Title Technical Report
Series Number ERDC/EL TR-19-3
Index ID 70250106
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization WMA - Earth System Processes Division