Consequences of Periodic Applications of Copper Sulfate and Simazine for Phytoplankton Control in Catfish Ponds

Abstract

Treatment of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) production ponds with biweekly applications of 0.84 kg/hectare copper sulfate was ineffective in reducing phytoplankton density. Three periodic applications of simazine totaling 1.3 mg/liter drastically reduced phytoplankton density. However, extended periods of low dissolved oxygen concentrations following simazine applications resulted in decreased fish yields and poor conversion ratios as compared to control ponds.