Program teaches identification,
successful control strategies

A Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service webinar from 6-7 p.m. June 21 will cover how to identify and successfully manage various forms of algae found in ponds.

The webinar will provide a how-to educational program focused on all things algae, along with cyanobacteria, or forms of photosynthetic bacteria.

Brittany Chesser, AgriLife Extension aquatic vegetation program specialist in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Bryan-College Station, will present the program.

 

Registration is $35 and closes at noon June 20.

Instructions to access the webinar will be emailed when payment is received. The email will include a receipt, registration confirmation and instructions for accessing the webinar. 

 

Chesser said a link to the recorded program will be made available upon request for people who register and are not able to make the live webinar.

 

One Texas Department of Agriculture general continuing education unit will be offered.

 

Identify and control algae

 

Chesser will cover how to identify the main groups of algae, from micro to macro forms, as well as cyanobacteria and other harmful algal blooms. The biology and role of these algae in pond ecosystems and how to manage them will also be covered.

 

Specific management strategies, including mechanical, biological and chemical options, will be covered for each grouping. Chesser will also discuss the importance of correctly calculating copper treatments, which is an algaecide, applications and treatment timing for effective control.

 

“Some of the major mistakes related to treating algae in ponds revolve around treating all algae the same,” she said. “That is why identification and treating with the correct copper concentration at the right time is critical to successful management.”

 

The hour-long presentation will be followed with an approximately 30-minute question-and-answer session with Chesser. 

 

“This is the time of the year with hot, dry, stagnant conditions when we start to see blue and green algae and cyanobacteria blooms,” she said. “This program is very timely and will help pond owners deal with the issue.”