In my study, I wanted to see if I could breed a trait (Longer petial stem length) in Brassaca rapa by following an artificial selection design. The study was also used in order to monitor the mechanisms of evolution. To do this, I wanted to see if cross pollinating plants with the trait I was looking for would show the selected trait I was looking for in the offspring. My experimental design was to record the data for the parent generation and then to cross-pollinate the ten plants with the longest petial stem length. Once the seeds were ripe, I planted on hundred seeds, even though many more were produced by the plants. After recording the data for the F1 generation (Selected Offspring) I compared the data with that of the parent generation (The first plants). The results were quite amazing. The data concluded that the F1 generation did in fact have longer petial stems compared to the parent generation. The experiment was a success.
             Before even beginning the experiment I knew very little if nothing at all about Brassica rapa, let alone that it even existed. I had, at the recommendation of the Teachers Assistant (Kelly Garron), done a little research on the Wisconsin Fast Plant by doing a short internet search which revealed some information. After learning a little background information on my test subject, I proceeded with the Experiment
             Brassaca rapa, other wise known as Wisconsin Fast Plants, has green foliage with the upper leaves partially clasping the stem. The stems are well branched, although the degree of branching depends on environmental conditions. The flowers are pale yellow, densely clustered at the top with open flowers at or above the level of terminal buds, and open upwards. B. rapa¡¯s pollination mechanics allow for self pollination (Asexual reproduction) as well as pollination from other B.rapa¡¯s. In the case of outside pollination, pollinating insects, in particular honey bees and bumble bees, are belie...