That’s right! Season 4 of the Working In The Weeds podcast is now available to stream! This season, we looked at some invasive plants that plague Florida’s lakes and landscapes.
Episode 1: Water Hyacinth Deep Dive (Plant Physiology, Growth Habits, Reproduction, and More)
In this episode, we dive deep into all things water hyacinth! Dr. Ferrell and Christine are joined by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research Biologist Dr. Ben Sperry as they break down this plant’s physiology, growth habits, reproduction functions, previous research, and more.
Episode 2 and 3: Hydrilla Deep Dive – Part 1 (Plant Structure, Photosynthesis, Pros v. Cons, and More) and Part 2 (The Intersection Where Science and Stakeholders Meet)
In this two-part mini-series, Dr. Ferrell and Christine discuss the (in)famous hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata). Part 1 includes conversations on plant structure, photosynthesis, pros and cons for various user groups, and much more.
In Part 2, we are joined by FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Section Leader Jason Dotson. As a lifelong angler, Dotson grew up fishing the Potomac River and found a love for water systems and the life within them. After studying at Virginia Tech, he moved to Florida to get his master’s degree in fisheries science (and it didn’t hurt that Florida is also the Bass Fishing Capital of the World). Now, as FWC FWRI Section Leader, Dotson works to research everything from ecosystem health to fish populations and everything in between. In this discussion, Dotson shares his experience and thoughts about hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) from the perspective of an angler and a biologist.
Episode 4: Water Lettuce Deep Dive (Native or Invasive? Does It Matter?)
In this episode, Dr. Ferrell and Christine take a look at water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), a troublesome plant found throughout Florida and other areas of the world. But we all have one big question: “Is water lettuce native or invasive?” We talk about this and more!
Episode 5: Alligatorweed Deep Dive (Alligatorweed Flea Beetle – A Florida Success Story)
This week, we are joined by Chelsea Bohaty from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to chat about alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides). As a part of her position with USACE, Chelsea leads the alligatorweed flea beetle program. Listen to this episode more about this Florida invasive plant management success story and these hard-working beetles!
Episode 6: Cattail Deep Dive (Native but Nuisance)
It’s our first virtual interview! Did you know Florida’s native plants and become a nuisance in some scenarios. Cattial has been one of those plants that has required management in some areas. To discuss this, we (virtually) sit down with LeRoy Rodgers from South Florida Water Management to talk about his experiences with cattail and how they’ve cause trouble in stormwater treatment areas.
Episode 7: Game On! – Working In The Weeds Trivia #2 (Graduate Student Edition)
Center director Jay Ferrell hosts a special trivia game episode with our graduate students! Trivia questions include info from all of our past episodes and an additional mystery topic. Play along and see how much you’ve learned!
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