During summer 2019 the Madsen lab is sampling curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) at multiple locations to determine the effects of water temperature, air temperature, and water turbidity on plant growth and reproduction. We collect plants each month and obtain the biomass for each part of the plant: shoots, roots, inflorescenses, and turions (asexual reproduction structures).  Three locations are in Lake Berryessa, three in Putah Creek between Winters and Monticello Dam, and three in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. At each location we take plant & sediment samples using a weighted dredge (Berryessa, Delta) or handheld dredge (Putah Creek, pictured below).

On one recent trip the rope broke on the weighted dredge, twice, and we had to go diving for it (sorry, not pictured).

This is a project with the John Madsen aquatic weeds lab with USDA-ARS Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Unit.