Student or Group Info
Name(s): Aria Larsen
Term: Summer
Credits: 8
Title of ILC or Group Project: 2024 Solanum aethiopicum ‘Gilo’ Variety Trial at the Evergreen Organic Farm
Sponsor
Field supervisor: Dr. Sarah Williams
Organization: TESC
Subcontractor
Name: Ben Hundorfer
Organization: TESC
Program of Project Description
Narrative:
This multi-quarter, multi-student project, titled “2024 Solanum aethiopicum ‘Gilo’ Variety Trial at the Evergreen Organic Farm”, is designed to evaluate four varieties of S. aethiopicum ‘Gilo’ in the categories of germination, vigor, insect and disease resistance, yield and marketability, and flavor. Specific learning objectives are to study the design and implementation of variety trials, to establish parameters and rubrics for evaluating S. aethiopicum ‘Gilo’, to learn how to assess selected varieties for insect and disease resistance, to collect data regarding yield and marketable yield, to assess the possibilities for marketing ‘Gilo’ in our area, to create educational materials for customers of the farm, and to establish tasting protocols to be utilized when evaluating crops for flavor.
Student will utilize a selected field at the Evergreen Organic Farm to create a replicated variety trial for S. Aethiopicum ‘Gilo’ and assess the suitability of the selected varieties for the climate and the farm. Students will design, implement, manage and monitor a replicated field trial for selected varieties of ‘Gilo’.
| Learning objective | Activity | Deliverable |
| Controlled Germination Trial | Conduct a standarized germination chamber trial on Solanum aethiopicum ‘Gilo’ and a control. Use statistical analysis to compare data. Write a final report and analysis of data. Write a final report and analysis of data. Coordination with SSC and labs is necessary. | Conduct a standarized Conduct a experiment to determine germination percentages of the four varieties of S. aethiopicum ‘Gilo’ being studied in the trial and produce and scientific write-up examining the methodology and outcome of the experiment. Posted to a wordpress site dedicated to the project. |
| A practicum about the design of variety trials, including planning, preparation, and cultivation, through application. | The student will understand design and protocols for an S. aethiopicum ‘Gilo’ variety trial, utilizing the text “The Grower’s Guide to Conducting On-farm Variety Trials” by Organic Seed Alliance. Data collection for pest and disease, yield, and marketability. Additionally, performing field maintance tasks for optimal growth; such as harvest, pest/disease management, weeding and trellising. | Weekly work journal posted to a wordpress site dedicated to the project. Also, contributions to a final variety trial report. |
| Plant Profile for Solanum aethiopicum | Examine and understand the botanical features, growth habit, ethnobotany, and/or culinary use of Solanum aethiopicum. Document phenoligical and morphilogical data in drawings or written observation. Use research/observation to develop market materials. | Weekly work journal posted to a wordpress site dedicated to the project. Potentially, contributions to the final vigor report. |
Evaluation of Work
- WordPress ePortfolio
- Final week ten presentation
- Narrative evaluations from field supervisor and/or subcontractor
- Narrative mid-quarter and final self-evaluations