First report of Elodea nuttallii in Türkiye
Elodea nuttallii (Hydrocharitaceae: EPPO List of Invasive Alien Plants) is an aquatic plant species native to North America. Dense E. nuttallii populations can reduce water movement and light penetration, producing anaerobic conditions and trapping sediments. Decomposition of the biomass at the end of the growing season significantly contributes to the deterioration of water quality and intensification of secondary eutrophication altering the nutrient balance of the entire ecosystem. E. nuttallii was first identified in Türkiye in the Göksu Nature Park in the north west of the country in 2022. The plants were submerged in stagnant water at an altitude of 1350 m. In the habitat where E. nuttallii grows, other species included E. canadensis, Persicaria amphibia (Polygonaceae), Lemna minor (Araceae), Equisetum arvense (Equisetaceae), Alisma plantago-aquatica (Alismataceae). It is likely that E. nuttallii will probably become invasive in Türkiye in the future due to the availability of preferred habitat and compatible climatic conditions. Therefore, studies should be conducted to identify additional populations, and where found, management practices should be implemented.
Sources
Özkan N, Koçer N, Aksoy N (2024) A new invasive neophyte Elodea nuttallii (Planch.) H.St.John for the flora of Türkiye. BioInvasions Records 13, 149-159.