Student or Group Info
Name(s): Laura Reusche, Harry Daniels, Emmerson Gregorio, Aria Larson, Finn Parent-Goebel, Aaron Valva
Term: Summer 2024
Credits: 4
Title of ILC Group Project: 2024 Solanum aethiopicum ‘Gilo’ Variety Trial at the Evergreen Organic Farm
Sponsor
Name: Dr. Sarah Williams
Organization: TESC
Subcontractor
Name: Profesor Ben Hunsdorfer
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 |
| 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. |
| 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 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. |
| 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. |
| Vigor Study | The student will design, implement, and document a vigor study of the varieties being grown in the trial, utilizing the text Agricultural Field Experiments: Design and Analysis by Roger G. Peterson. Also, the BBCH scale (Hack et al., 1992). The student will use Excel statistical analysis on collected data to produce a conclusive paper explaining the experiment’s parameters and findings. | Conduct a experiment to determine the vigor of the four varieties of S. aethiopicum ‘Gilo’ being studied in the trial and produce and scientific report examining the methodology and outcome of the experiment. Posted to a wordpress site dedicated to the project. |
Evaluation of Work
- WordPress ePortfolio
- Narrative evaluations from sponsor
- Narrative mid-quarter and final self-evaluations