Ryerson University Digital Commons @ Ryerson Theses and dissertations 1-1-2011 Invasive aquatic plants and the aquarium and ornamental pond industries Shakira Stephanie Elaine Azan Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.ryerson.ca/dissertations Part of the Plant Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Azan, Shakira Stephanie Elaine, "Invasive aquatic plants and the aquarium and ornamental pond industries" (2011). Theses and dissertations. Paper 818. This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons @ Ryerson. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Ryerson. For more information, please contact [email protected]. INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANTS AND THE AQUARIUM AND ORNAMENTAL POND INDUSTRIES by Shakira Stephanie Elaine Azan Master of Philosophy, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica, 2002 Bachelor of Science (Hons.), University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica, 1997 A thesis presented to Ryerson University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in the Program of Environmental Applied Science and Management Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2011 ©Shakira Azan 2011 AUTHOR’S DECLARATION I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. I authorize Ryerson University to lend this thesis to other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. ........................................................................................ I further authorize Ryerson University to reproduce this thesis by photocopying or by other means, in total or in part, at the request of other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. ......................................................................................... ii ABSTRACT INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANTS AND THE AQUARIUM AND ORNAMENTAL POND INDUSTRIES Master of Applied Science 2011 Shakira Stephanie Elaine Azan Environmental Applied Science and Management Ryerson University The purpose of the research was to clarify the common traits of a successful aquatic invasive plant. The biological traits of aquatic plants sold by aquarium and ornamental pond stores in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario were analysed using logistic regression analyses (LRM). The multinomial LRM successfully predicts group identity 63% of the time, clearly differentiating native invasive and native non invasive from alien invasive (AI), but not alien non invasive (ANI) from AI. In contrast, the binomial LRM effectively discriminates ANI from AI taxa 77% of the time. The variables that best discriminated between AI and ANI are type of propagation strategies, number of propagation strategies used, number of dispersal mechanisms used, minimum temperature, and sales volume of aquatic plants as a proxy for introduction. Recognizing the common traits of successful invaders allows for the identification of ANI taxa that have the potential to become invaders, prior to introduction, thus preventing future invasions. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS “A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials” Chinese proverb When I decided to embark on the journey of pursuing another Masters, I had no expectations, but had an open mind for anything that could happen. I did not foresee that this journey would have been filled with so many unforgettable experiences that have helped to shape me into the gem that I have become. To all who contributed to these experiences, I would like to say a big thank you. The completion of this thesis would not have been possible without the assistance of a number of persons; to them I would like to express my deepest appreciation. To my heavenly Father, I would like to thank you for life and for creating me with a questioning mind. I also express my gratitude for allowing me to make it to the end and to fulfil the requirements of the programme. To my supervisors, Drs. Michal Bardecki and Andrew Laursen, I extend my appreciation for your advice and dedication in reviewing and providing constructive critiques on this paper. For your continuous support, guidance and encouragement, even when my insecurities were showing, thank you. To my family and friends who stood by me and never allowed me to give up, always encouraging and praying for me, I could never have done it without your love and affections. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS AUTHOR’S DECLARATION .................................................................................................................................... ii ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................................................. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................................................ iv TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................ v LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................................................... viii LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................................................................... ix LIST OF APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................................. x LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................................................... xi 1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Invasive alien species ............................................................................................................................. 1 1.1.1 The Problems with prevention, control and mitigation of IAS ...................................... 3 1.2 Aquatic plant species ............................................................................................................................. 4 1.2.1 Aquatic plants and the aquarium and ornamental pond industries .......................... 7 1.3 Rationale for study ................................................................................................................................. 9 1.4 Purpose and objectives ....................................................................................................................... 10 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................................................................... 13 2.1 General Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 13 2.2 Pathways of introduction for aquatic plants ............................................................................. 15 2.2.1 Aquarium industry ...................................................................................................................... 16 2.2.2 Internet, mail parcels/order catalogues ............................................................................ 25 2.2.3 Ornamental ponds ....................................................................................................................... 27 2.3 Invasion success of aquatic plants ................................................................................................. 28 2.3.1 Plant invasions .............................................................................................................................. 28 2.3.2 Traits of successful aquatic plant invaders ....................................................................... 34 2.3.2.1 Reproduction and perennation ........................................................................................ 35 2.3.2.2 Life form and growth characteristics ............................................................................ 40 2.3.2.3 Morphological plasticity ...................................................................................................... 42 2.3.2.4 Boom‐and‐bust and propagule pressure ..................................................................... 43 2.4 Legislative framework for the introduction of aquatic plants into Ontario ................. 46 v 2.4.1 Canadian Food Inspection Agency ........................................................................................ 46 2.4.1.1 CFIA and invasive plants ..................................................................................................... 47 2.4.1.2 Administration and enforcement of the CFIA ............................................................ 52 2.5 Risk assessment ..................................................................................................................................... 56 2.5.1 CFIA and risk assessment .......................................................................................................... 57 2.6 Link between literature review and methodology .................................................................. 60 3.0 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................ 62 3.1 Selection of potential aquatic