A record of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms from Lake Izunuma, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan and the possibility of its establishment due to global warming

Abstract

One of the “100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species”, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, was recorded from lake Izunuma in Japan. In total, 1,140 shoots were immediately exterminated from the lake. This species is known for its high growth potential. When one E. crassipes shoot was introduced in early June, it was estimated that it increased to over 1,000 shoots by early October. However, E. crassipes cannot become established under the current climate conditions of lake Izunuma, because it is sensitive to low temperatures. If global warming progresses as predicted, by 2076–2095 the climate in the lake may become suitable for the establishment of E. crassipes. It is important to monitor the introduction and initial extermination to prevent further invasion of E. crassipes.