Testing Germination of Common Milkweed and Butterfly Milkweed when Watered with Concentrations of Carbonated Water and Caffeine
Location
CoLab, COM 342
Start Date
30-4-2026 2:30 PM
Document Type
Poster
Description
A sharp decline in the monarch population of about 80% can be attributed to the loss of milkweed populations throughout North America Thus, understanding how to better milkweed germination is an important topic of study. The purpose of our research is to uncover the effects that carbonation and caffeine have on milkweed germination. Through a controlled experiment, we watered groups of both common milkweed and butterfly milkweed with concentrations of carbonation, caffeine, and distilled water. We discovered that seeds watered with a caffeinated beverage showed no germination. On the other hand, seeds watered with carbonated water showed germination rates on par with distilled water, and showed signs of healthier stems and leaves. Given our discoveries, further research monitoring the effects of carbonated water on various milkweed species could help us more definitely understand whether or not carbonated water has a positive effect on milkweed germination. If this treatment is found to improve milkweed germination, it could lead the way for combating the decline in milkweed populations throughout North America. Thus, supporting the milkweed population, which can restore a vital part of the monarch butterfly's environment to help combat the fall in monarch butterfly populations.
Image
Testing Germination of Common Milkweed and Butterfly Milkweed when Watered with Concentrations of Carbonated Water and Caffeine
CoLab, COM 342
A sharp decline in the monarch population of about 80% can be attributed to the loss of milkweed populations throughout North America Thus, understanding how to better milkweed germination is an important topic of study. The purpose of our research is to uncover the effects that carbonation and caffeine have on milkweed germination. Through a controlled experiment, we watered groups of both common milkweed and butterfly milkweed with concentrations of carbonation, caffeine, and distilled water. We discovered that seeds watered with a caffeinated beverage showed no germination. On the other hand, seeds watered with carbonated water showed germination rates on par with distilled water, and showed signs of healthier stems and leaves. Given our discoveries, further research monitoring the effects of carbonated water on various milkweed species could help us more definitely understand whether or not carbonated water has a positive effect on milkweed germination. If this treatment is found to improve milkweed germination, it could lead the way for combating the decline in milkweed populations throughout North America. Thus, supporting the milkweed population, which can restore a vital part of the monarch butterfly's environment to help combat the fall in monarch butterfly populations.
Comments
The faculty mentor for this project was Sarah Powell.