Instructions Copy each slide onto a separate “page” in your foldable.

Wisconsin Fast Plants Sprouting Up All Over Lesson 5

The Basics These plants are not found in the wild They were first developed at the University of Wisconsin in the 1970’s They have become important research plants in real science labs, school science labs, and space!

Why Fast Plants are Special They go through their entire life cycle in 6 weeks (super fast for a plant) Also small enough to comfortably use in a classroom or space ship They actually grow best when crowded, so you can plant a lot in a little space Produce a large amount of fertile seeds which is good when you have no money (like teachers) Grow under constant light – all other plants must have some darkness to finish the photosynthesis process

Not a naturally occurring plant These plants were developed to be quick growing and small Dr. Williams started out with 2000 species of Brassica plants SELECTIVE BREEDING IN ACTION –Dr. Williams then selected the plants he wanted and let them breed

The Dirty Details In order to breed only selected plants, Dr. Williams had to do the pollinating (no bees needed) The group of scientists had to pick up pollen from the plants they liked, and cross it on other plants they liked This is called CROSS- POLLINATION

Why Cabbage??? Your Brassica rapa is a member of the Crucifer plant family Also included in this family –Other cabbages –Cauliflower –Brussels sprouts They are all easy to breed and grow They are inexpensive food sources for a growing world population

Space Food and Filters May 1997 – the space shuttle Atlantis delivers Fast Plants to the Russian space station MIR In microgravity, the astronauts grew and cross pollinated plants just like you are doing on Earth During extensive space trips, Fast Plants can provide –Food –Clean air filtering –Oxygen