Which invasive plant's control was part of the federally funded project initiated in 1958?

The correct answer is Water Hyacinth. The project initiated in 1958 aimed specifically at controlling the Water Hyacinth due to its overwhelming growth in aquatic environments in Florida and other regions. Water Hyacinth is known for its rapid reproduction and can create significant ecological problems by obstructing waterways, disrupting local ecosystems, and hindering water flow.

The federally funded effort recognized the necessity of managing this invasive species to protect native aquatic plants and the overall health of water bodies. The project provided resources for research, development of control methods, and implementation of management strategies, illustrating a long-term commitment to addressing the problems caused by Water Hyacinth.

Eurasian Watermilfoil, Amazon Sword Plant, and Common Reed, while they may also pose issues in aquatic systems, were not the focus of this particular initiative from 1958, which was specifically directed at the management of Water Hyacinth and its environmental impacts. This distinction underlines the importance of targeted control efforts for specific invasive species based on their prevalence and the threats they pose.