Seedling growth of Wisconsin fast plants (Brassica rapa) in field environments

Abstract

In this 3-week laboratory, students investigate the effects of an abiotic or biotic ecological factor on the growth or reproduction of rapid-cycling brassica ( Brassica rapa L. : Wisconsin Fast Plants) seedlings in the field. Measurable treatments include light, wind, herbivory, chemical or organic fertilizer, insecticides, and growth regulators (i.e., gibberellic acid spray, auxin paste). Students learn how to develop an hypothesis and apply the scientific method in a field setting. Students work in pairs and set up their experiments using previously prepared Wisconsin Fast Plant seedlings. One week later students harvest their plants during a return field trip after which they collect their data, write individual scientific reports, and present their findings in-class. This experiment is unique because Wisconsin Fast Plants are used in a field experiment instead of the usual laboratory setting.