Dreissenidae

Impacted systems: While Dreissenidae do not directly attack plant tissues, their presence is devastating to irrigated farming. They infest the infrastructure of irrigation networks, including water intake pipes, pumps, filtration systems, and main canals, causing major operational disruptions that directly affect crop water supply.

Biology and life cycle: The life cycle begins with the release of gametes into the water column. The resulting free-swimming larvae, known as veligers, are transported by currents. Upon reaching a suitable hard substrate, they undergo metamorphosis, develop shells, and attach firmly using strong byssal threads. They grow into dense colonies that can persist for years.

Damage characteristics: The primary harm is known as biofouling. Colonies of Dreissenidae accumulate inside pipelines and irrigation machinery, significantly reducing the cross-sectional area. This results in reduced water flow, increased pressure requirements for pumps, and potential pump failure. Consequently, crops suffer from drought stress during critical growth stages, leading to significant yield losses.

Protection measures: Managing these pests requires a strategic approach to maintain irrigation efficiency:

• Physical exclusion using fine-mesh filtration at water source intakes.
• Periodic mechanical scraping and high-pressure cleaning of internal pipeline surfaces.
• Application of anti-fouling coatings on internal surfaces of irrigation equipment.
• Monitoring water bodies for early signs of veliger presence to apply timely mitigation strategies.