Algae is a generic term for a wide variety of photosynthetic organisms, both unicellular and multicellular.

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Algae exhibit a range of reproductive strategies from simple asexual cell division to more complex forms. It is the disruption of these reproductive processes by the barley straw enzymes that helps keep algae at bay.

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Algae causes major problems in ponds

- deoxygenation of water

- discoloured water

- green scum at the pond edges

- dense mats of green growth on the surface

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Algae can spread quickly and cause severe harm to fish and other aquatic life in the pond.

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Main Causes

Excess organic debris; fertiliser run-off into the pond; ponds newly filled with tap water; very sunny sites.

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Timing

Tends to be worse in spring and summer; most severe during sunny weather

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Source: Royal Horticultural Society

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