Morphological study and Biological Control of Typha Grass Proliferation around Nguru Lake Nigeria

Abstract: This study investigates the invasive proliferation of Typha spp. (Cattail) in Nguru Lake, a critical wetland in Nigeria's Hadejia-Nguru ecosystem. The research confirms the presence of both Typha latifolia (broad leaf) and Typha angustifolia (narrow leaf) through morphological analysis, noting key distinguishing characteristics. The invasion has severely impacted local agriculture and fishing economies by obstructing waterways and overtaking farmland. The study evaluates biological control as a sustainable management strategy, focusing on the efficacy of three agents: the native reed Phragmites karka (for competition and shade), the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) for consuming young shoots, and the cattail borer (Bellura obliqua) for destroying mature stems. Findings suggest that an integrated approach using these biological controls is an effective, eco-friendly, and permanent solution for mitigating Typha proliferation, though it requires strategic implementation and community education for long term success.