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TEACHING: ENVIRONMENTAL
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
LABORATORY |
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PSB 5210 / 6210; SPRING SEMESTER
ONLY
INSTRUCTOR: Bruce Bugbee
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EXAMPLE
SCHEDULE FROM 2002
JANUARY
12 Lab overview (no formal
meeting)
19
LAB 1: Introduction: Consider
a Spherical Cow
26
LAB 2: Principles of Radiation
Measurement
FEBRUARY
02
LAB 3: Plant Growth Analysis
and Interpretation
09
LAB 4: Photobiology
16 NO CLASS - President's Day
23
LAB 5: Measurement of
Transpiration
MARCH
02 LAB 6: Measurement of Photosynthesis:
Closed System
09
LAB 7: Measurement of
Photosynthesis: Open System
16 NO CLASS - Spring Break
23
LAB 8: Nonstructural
Carbohydrate Analysis
30
LAB 9: Principles of
Hydroponics
APRIL
06 Individual Lab Project
13 IN CLASS Laboratory Exam
20 Individual Lab Project
27 Oral Representation of Lab
Project Results
SUMMARY OF LABORATORY STUDIES
There will be 9 structured labs followed by 3 open lab periods
that provide time to conduct independent lab experiments utilizing
the techniques presented in the previous labs. All sessions will
be held in the research greenhouses at 1410 North 800 East. A
written lab report is due the week following each structured lab.
LAB 1. Consider a Spherical Cow. Using basic
mathematics to solve biological problems. The "spherical cow" title
comes from a textbook with the same title. It refers to the use of
simple models to quantitatively estimate biological effects. In
this case, scientists from a University worked with farmers to use
"spherical cows" to estimate milk production.
LAB 2. Radiation Measurement. The radiation
sensors listed below will be used to characterize the radiation in
different environments (outside, in the greenhouse, under electric
lamps). The data will be used to demonstrate why photometric
measurements provide a misleading estimate of photosynthetically
active radiation. Measurements of radiation are important for
subsequent labs.
A. Photon flux density
B. Footcandles
C. Short wave radiation
D. Net radiation
E. Infra-red thermometer
LAB 3. Plant Growth Analysis and Interpretation.
We will measure leaf area, leaf dry mass, and stem dry mass on
crop plants from the greenhouse and calculate growth analysis
parameters to determine growth differences. We have planted seeds
at weekly intervals for the past month in preparation for this
laboratory. We will calculate the following parameters:
1. Specific leaf area
2. Leaf mass ratio
3. Root/shoot ratio (when appropriate)
4. Net assimilation rate
5. Relative growth rate
6. Crop growth rate
LAB 4. Photobiology. This lab will introduce
some unique sensors for measuring red and far-red radiation. These
sensors will be used to estimate phytochrome status in plant
communities.
LAB 5. Measurement of Transpiration. In this
lab we measure transpiration rate and relate it to associated
measurements of leaf temperature, stomatal conductance, wind
speed, and plant water status. Transpiration will be measured
gravimetrically by determining weight loss of container grown
plants during the lab period. We will modify environmental
conditions to alter the rate of transpiration (for example: air
velocity, radiation, humidity, temperature).
LABS 6 & 7. Measurement of Photosynthesis: Closed System
& Open Systems. This lab is designed to demonstrate the
three major processes involving carbon exchange in plants:
photosynthesis, respiration, and photorespiration. We will measure
CO2 by infrared gas analysis and measure carbon
exchange of individual plants in sealed, transparent containers.
Respiration will be measured on plants in the dark. Both C3
and C4 plants will be used. Gas samples will
be collected with a syringe and injected into the gas analyzer.
Rates of carbon exchange will be calculated.
LAB 8. Nonstructural Carbohydrate Analysis. Here
we seek to determine the effect of light intensity on
nonstructural carbohydrates in plant tissue. The tissue will be
weighed, homogenized, solubilized, filtered, and analyzed for
total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) using a colorimetric
anthrone procedure.
LAB 9. Hydroponics. This lab will introduce the
principles of hydroponics.
LAB 10. Open time to conduct individual
laboratory project
LAB 11. Final Laboratory Exam. This is an in
class exam to determine how well you understand the underlying
concepts behind each of the lab studies.
LAB 12. Open time to conduct individual
laboratory project
LAB 13. Open time to conduct individual
laboratory project
LAB 14. Oral presentation of results from
laboratory projects
INDIVIDUAL LABORATORY PROJECT
Many students finish college highly articulate, but with less
creativity than when they entered. Creativity is difficult to
evaluate so graduate schools select their students largely on
grade point average. Consequently, we sometimes turn away the best
thinkers.
The lab project in this course is an attempt to encourage
independent, creative thinking. The final laboratory sessions have
been set aside for this project. You are encouraged to use the
theory presented in lecture, together with the instrumentation
introduced in the lab, to investigate and quantify some aspect of
plant growth. This investigation can be with any crop, in response
to any stimulus. Graduate students are encouraged to conduct a lab
project that is related to their thesis research.
A one-page proposal outlining the research to be conducted is due
the week before the lab exam. I will work with you to develop a
project that can be conducted in the time allotted. A written
report is due on the last day of class, and oral reports will be
presented and discussed in the final lab period. Projects will be
evaluated on scientific approach, correct use of instrumentation,
appropriate interpretation of results, and quality of the oral and
written report. Guests from outside the class are invited to
listen to the oral reports.
GRADING
Weekly Laboratory reports (9 reports) 360 (40
points each)
Laboratory exam 300
Oral and Written Lab Report 340
Total 1000
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