The Brassica rapa, is a member of the Brassicaceae (cabbage/mustard) family. This species is an herbaceous annual or biennial field mustard. Europe is thought to be the origin of the species. However, many variations, including turnips, bok choi, and cabbage are known to have advanced in areas of Asia. B. rapa has now been introduced to natural and artificial habitats throughout the world via commercial cultivation and personal gardening. B. rapa presents significant phenotypic diversity. Generally speaking, this species has flat roots, large soft-hairy leaves, and small yellow flowers. (Lauffer B., Lauffer, D., Williams, P., 2012)
B. rapa are rapid-cycling plants known as fast plants. William H. Paul developed these fast plants …show more content…
(Lab manual) The homozygous recessive form (anl/anl) translates to the total suppression of anthocyanin production. Varying degrees of anthocyanin are present depending on the expression of the ANL gene. (Anthocyanins, 2015)
Materials and methods
A quad pot was used as the basic growing unit of these plants. This was the base used for growing B. rapa. Four small wicks were placed at the bottom of each of the four open squares. The wicks will be used to absorb any excess water and supply moisture when needed. To set up the wicks, the bottom portion was rolled out and placed half way in each one of the squares.
Potting mix was used to anchor the plant and supply it with water and nutrients. A generous pinch was used to fill each of the squares in the quad pot half way. After the squares were potted correctly, three slow released balanced fertilizer pellets were placed in each square. A water dropper was filled with water and used to drop water into the soil. The quad pot was then placed onto a water mat. A fluorescent light bank emitted very bright light onto the plants to mimic the wavelengths radiated by the sun. The plants were placed directly under the light bank to ensure the proper amount of light was able to reach the