Review: problems of the water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes, in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world, in particular its eradication using biological control method by means of plant pathogens.

Water hyacinth, probably originating from South America, grows between 35th North and South parallels of the planet. It was introduced into several regions of the world as ornamental plant, where it became later one of the most dangerous world water weed. Its infestation can be controlled by physical and chemical treatments. However, these methods are expensive and dangerous for human health and environment. Moreover, following Western legislations example, those of developing countries are highly restrictive against authorised chemical molecules. Consequently, a growing interest was given to alternative solutions, such as biological control. That control using insects, fi shes and mammiferes against water hyacinth could be strengthened with the application of mycoherbicides. These mycoherbicides are more respectful for environment and public health and seem to constitute an additional realistic alternative for water hyacinth durable management