Garth Parish - UR Putting the Data To The Test !

Putting the data to the test. So, once you hit the grinder chase all the links down and get that research in…well, what’s next? Experiment time! Oh boy, I feel like Bill Nye would be proud, haha. What’s been going on in my water hyacinth world you might ask?

                Well, we got together six small fish tanks and a heating thermometer to keep a stable temperature for each pair of tanks. An aerator for each, a bit of liquid fertilizer six water hyacinths and a measuring tape. The temperatures chosen for each set of tanks was pivotal to the purpose of this experiment which was to see if there was a link from the growth ratio of the water hyacinth and temperature. The idea was to simulate a winter growing water temperature of seventy degrees Fahrenheit. The other two pairs of tanks are  increasing into the plants optimal growth temperature with data, pulled from the Saint John’s Water Management District’s historical charts. The temperatures chosen for these tanks were chosen based on Florida summer water temperatures.

                I then measured the root length, a single leaf’s length and width with the stem being measured at the base of the plant to the tip of the same leaf. The idea here is to remeasure and at the end of the experiment see if indeed there was a variation between temperature and growth ratios. So, cross your fingers folks and we will see soon what happens.

                Here is a shout out to all those avid readers 😉 I would like to answer a few questions for you guys:

Dana sec. 101 what do you mean by growth ratio?

Good question Dana, the growth ratio of the water hyacinth is simple, exactly how much and how quickly this plant grows, weather it is a foot or an inch. From what I have read, this is directly reflected by water temperature as this is a native tropical plant of Brazil. So, everyone be sure to thank, Brazil.

Sam sec. 301 Where else do these plants grow? Are they exclusive to Florida?

Unfortunately not, Sam. This invasive, troublesome plant is a global sensation and can even be grown up north and out west. Other than its natural predators, which are primarily in Brazil, a good hard freeze for an extended period of time is about the only thing which can kill them. Even their seeds are tough as they can last up to thirty years in a dormant state, sometimes even braving a good freeze.

Michelle, Section 201: In your analysis of the data, will you include what areas could be affected by the Water Hyacinth if the warming trend continues?

You know Michelle that’s a very astute question. Until I read this I had not yet thought about it. I believe I will, because climate change is not exclusive to Florida, it is a global issue, which unfortunately means so is the Water Hyacinth.