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My Externship Experience: Agriculture and Natural Resources. by Beverly Matsuda Science teacher Northwood High School. December 22, 2010. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Dr. Kirk Larson. Associate Pomologist and Associate CE Specialist,
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My Externship Experience:Agriculture and Natural Resources by Beverly Matsuda Science teacher Northwood High School
December 22, 2010 University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Dr. Kirk Larson Associate Pomologist and Associate CE Specialist, UC Davis Dept. of PomologySiskiyou Resource Conservation District University of California South Coast R.E.C.7601 Irvine Blvd.Irvine, CA 92618
KirkLarson, Ph.D. is an expert on • Strawberry breeding • Environmental factors • Production efficiency • Product quality POMOLOGY: The study and cultivation of fruit Strawberries in the field
During my externship experience I was able to study ...
Advances in Breeding Controlled crosses
Seeding ability • Runner traits • Tolerance levels • Yield • Fruit size • Flavor • Ease of harvest • Appearance, color • Shipping quality
After which … Runner plants simulate commercial conditions
Repeat trials For scientific research, varieties are clearly labeled and duplicate trials are conducted
Only they are allowed to make multiple runners … … to be used for future investigations such as
Biotic environment Crows Rabbits Fungus Wilt Rot Mites Bacteria
Environment Each plant is tested to see how they respond under various environmental conditions
Mulch is tested • Clear • Black • Paper
From working with Dr. Larson Scientific Research to Compare: Different mulches • Clear plastic vs. black plastic vs. paper • Temperature variance • Weed control • Ease of handling • Cost effectiveness • Environmental impact • Can we combine techniques How can this be incorporated into the classroom?
Functional skills can be practiced. Students can • Grow their own strawberry plants. • Practice promoting fruit or runners. • Develop skills to care for the plants. • Better understand the growth patterns, such as crowning • Study fruit formation, development, and maturity • Comprehend pollination • Examine plant hormone effects, e.g., auxins How can this be incorporated into the classroom?
Now it’s time to put my learning into practice … with students in our own garden As I take the time to reflect on my experience, I realize the scientific process and how much work has gone into better understanding strawberries in order to produce quality product while working within environmental parameters. A Learning Experience
Northwood High SchoolHorticulture garden Thanks to the SOCCD Collaborate Grant