We are conducting an experiment later in the summer where we will measure the pollination service supplied to vacant lots and urban farms in Cleveland. We are measuring pollination by placing dwarf sunflowers in these sites, allowing bees to visit them, then collecting them to determine how many seeds are produced. This protocol was developed by Pollination Ecologist Julianna Tuell at Michigan State University.The first step in the process was to plant the sunflowers, which Scott and A.J. did shortly before Memorial Day weekend. Unfortunately while we were away the greenhouse decided to shut down and bake the sunflower seedlings... So we are starting over, planting seed trays this week.
The student planting is Kojo Quaye. This is Kojo's second summer working in the lab. He just graduated from high school last week and has some very exciting college plans. I'll let Kojo fill everyone in on his future plans in an upcoming post. We are really happy he is back this summer and I hope the greenhouse gives us a break!
I hope you have better luck with this planting!
ReplyDelete~Michele