From Jonathan Scurlock, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Nowhere was the phrase “integrated pest management” to be found in Pearce’s
article, but I think this is what Lake Victoria needs—a multinational
management plan incorporating measures to control agricultural runoff and
sewage, limited “warfare” on the weed around harbours, and concerted efforts to
develop useful products from water hyacinth.
Ironically, the plant is itself used for sewage treatment in Florida and
California. And in 1994, I visited a craft project in Thailand which has refined
techniques for soaking water-hyacinth stalks in glycerol to make them soft and
pliable, suitable for weaving and dyeing. I still have a pair of water-hyacinth
sandals.
I would recommend that anyone interested write to: Centre for Handicraft,
Bang Sai, Queen’s Project, Ayudhaya, Thailand
Tennessee
