What is the main reproduction technique used by watermilfoil?

Watermilfoil primarily reproduces through fragmentation. This means that if a piece of the plant breaks off and becomes detached from the main body, it can still grow into a new individual plant. This method of reproduction is particularly effective in aquatic environments because it allows watermilfoil to spread rapidly. The fragments can easily disperse through water currents or human activities like boating and fishing, leading to the establishment of new colonies far from the parent plant.

While watermilfoil can also reproduce through other methods like seed propagation, rhizomes, and tubers, fragmentation is the dominant form of reproduction that greatly contributes to its invasive potential. Understanding fragmentation as a reproductive strategy is critical for managing watermilfoil in aquatic ecosystems, as controlling this method can help mitigate its spread.