Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Dear, Science buddy

I am doing a science project on how different wavelengths of sunlight color effect plant growth. So here is my question, What kind of plant would be best to use in my project, a bean or a piece of corn. -P.S. I was not procrastinating but my cat got to my project and now I have to start over, originally I was using beans, but I only have 2 weeks left, and I would like to know which is better to grow.

Thanks- Chris

Chris wrote:Dear, Science buddy

I am doing a science project on how different wavelengths of sunlight color effect plant growth. So here is my question, What kind of plant would be best to use in my project, a bean or a piece of corn. -P.S. I was not procrastinating but my cat got to my project and now I have to start over, originally I was using beans, but I only have 2 weeks left, and I would like to know which is better to grow.

Thanks- Chris

I am not an expert on wavelength experiments with plants. Perhaps I can help anyway. Since you have only two weeks, you might want to consider how you are going to measure the effect in choosing the plant. Beans germinate faster than corn by several days and will develop two early leaves followed by bigger leaves, perhaps within two weeks. Corn tends to have small grass like leaves early in its development. Corn also tends to grow faster under grow lights than its cellulose can support. This may work for you if your plan is to measure height. But it ultimately requires that the plants be transferred to regular sunlight to develop fully. You may also want to soak the seeds for up to 18 hours ahead of time to speed sprouting. Soak tham all the same length of time to avoid adding an extra variable. Good Luck!