Phenology data for the invasive macroalga Nitellopsis obtusa (starry stonewort) in Minnesota, USA, 2017 - 2018

Understanding the phenology of aquatic invasive plants is critical for evaluating and predicting their ecological impacts and timing control efforts. Despite its 45-year invasion history in North America, relatively little is known about the phenology of the invasive macroalga Nitellopsis obtusa (starry stonewort). We tracked N. obtusa phenology from 2017-2018 in two Minnesota (USA) lakes representing northern and southern clusters of N. obtusa invasion in Minnesota. We measured N. obtusa biomass and counted bulbils (asexual reproductive structures) throughout the growing season and in winter, under ice. These data are provided and documented here.

Description
The files include biomass, rake abundance, and bulbil data collected during each Nitellopsis obtusa phenology sampling visit from 2017-2018. There are separate files for biomass and bulbil data; bulbil data were collected in 2018 only. Please see the manuscript referenced below for a full description of the study methods and the Read Me file for a full description of the data files.

Funding information
Sponsorship: Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Referenced by
Glisson WJ, Muthukrishnan R, Wagner CK, Larkin DJ (2022) Invasive Nitellopsis obtusa (starry stonewort) has distinct late-season phenology compared to native and other invasive macrophytes in Minnesota, USA. Aquatic Botany 176: 103452. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2021.103452