Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for - Aseanipm ...

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Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Organic Vegetable Production
• Ask small groups to present findings in plenary. Display and discuss drawings. Ensure
that participants understand growth stages and terminologies used.
• Take note of all relevant observations and experiences during this activity.
Plant Reproductive Morphology of Cucurbits:
Note: In this exercise, farmers acquaint themselves with flower characteristics and biological
processes involved in reproduction of cucurbit crops. This session precedes hands-on
and practice of hybridization.
5 Each small group of 5-6 farmers will collect as many flowers from as many crops as
possible in learning and adjoining fields. Flowers may be taken from field, flower garden,
trees and bushes in backyard, or from the wild. Include also flower of cucurbit plants for
comparison. Spread collected flowers on table.
5 Assign each small group to study different flowers, one of which should be a cucurbit flower.
Participants use scissors, scalpels, forceps, and magnifying glasses to study different parts
of flower including ovule with stigma, egg cells, and stamen.
5 In addition, assign each small group the following tasks:
• Make a drawing of flowers studied; add names and functions of flower parts.
• Indicate which flowers are complete or perfect, and which are incomplete or imperfect.
• Make a drawing of cucurbit plant’s life cycle.
5 Each small group will present and discuss their findings in plenary. Discuss results and
ensure that reproduction processes are clear to everyone.
5 Take note of all relevant observations and experiences during this activity.
Preparation for Hybridization Works in Cucurbits:
5 Prior to hybridization practice, review crossing table prepared earlier as shown in the
example below:
Parent Materials
Mother
Plants
(Female
Parent)
Father Plants (Male Parent) No. of
Variety 1 Variety 2 Variety 3 Variety 4 Crosses
Variety 1 3 4 7
Variety 2 3 3
Variety 3 3 3 6
Variety 4 4 4