MODELING AND ITS VALIDATION OF WATER LETTUCE (PISTIA STRATIOTES) POPULATIONS

Abstract

 Water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes is widespread in tropical and sub-tropical regions, and the excessive growth of water lettuce causes ecological and socio-economic problems. The problems have also been reported in the western part of Japan, and the possibility has been pointed out that climate warming may prompt the excessive growth of water lettuce. Therefore, a model for growth process of Pistia stratiotes populations was established and validated for two observational data. Then, some efficient ways to control and reduce the invasive macrophyte were discussed.