Developed by Dr. Kevin Folta and Lauren Plotnik at the University of Florida

Leaves as Canvas,Light as Brush, Pigment as Paint

“Light provides information to plant cells that guides their

shape, size, and function. It has been known for a long time

that specific wavelengths (colors) of light can stimulate the

production of the purple pigments in plants, Other

wavelengths make them go away”

Why it matters:Photosynthesis is not the only relationship plants have with light. But what else is there? How does light affect plant traits?(leaf shape, pigmentation, nutrition, yield, flavor, growth rate). These are scientific concepts that we hope to introduce to a young audience in a creative way.

Ultimately we hope to spark more interest in the world of plant sciences!

...What is Veg- a Sketch? It is a fun and basic method to illustrate principles of how light affects plant traits. Developed at the University of Florida, this experiment kit will be distributed to students in order to promote a better understanding of plant/light relationships.

Six varieties of lettuce were tested under six different light conditions.

We observed green light had reversed anthocyanin accumulation, while other wavelengths stimulated production.

Next, we identified a variety (Annapolis) that performed well in response to pigment accumulation. Desirable flat leaf shape and plasticity were also important traits.

How Veg-a-Sketch began:

Lastly, we created a formula of light treatments plus stencils that resulted in a patterned plant.

Classroom Discussion & Possibilities:

-What is Light?

-How plants use light

-The effect of light on plant traits

-Plant changes based on their environment

-Discussion of horticultural professions

-Replication of experiment (different plants or materials)

Conversations to have with students:

Other:-Human interest

-Commercial applications

Materials & Procedure

What is included: ● Lettuce Seeds ( Annapolis )

● 1 pot

● Planting soil

● Green filter paper

● 2 *mystery* acetate stencils

What you’ll need: ● Paper clips

● 1 sheet of white paper

● Tape

● Scissors

● Water

● Cardboard box - (8x6x6 or similar size )

Procedure: Experiment summary

● Germinate seeds

● Construct “light box”

● At 30 days, move lettuce into box

● Allow de-pigmentation to occur ( 7-12 days)

● Remove from box, apply stencil and place near light source

● Wait 2-7 days and enjoy!

Preparation

Soil and lettuce seeds have been

provided. Begin the procedure by

filling the pot with soil.

Moisten the media and sprinkle a

few seeds on the top. Gently mix or

cover seeds with soil ( about ⅛”

deep)

Keep moist and cool until

emergence (3-5 days)

Procedure: Light Box Construction

Select a cardboard box that is around 8x6x6” or similar size

Begin by cutting 3 square holes in the box ( Fig. 1 )2 of the squares will be covered with filter paper. The remaining hole is for placing the box over top of the plant

Cover 2 holes by tapeing the filter paper to the box ( Fig 2 )

Lastly, cover up areas of the box where light may escape (edges etc.) Fig. 1 Fig. 2

Procedure: Plant growth

Grow your lettuce under natural light for 30 days. The lettuce will have a red/purple appearance.

Next, you will simply place the light box on top of your lettuce plant.

The filter paper sides should be exposed/facing the light source.

Depending on the intensity of the light source ( outside vs. ambient light ) The de-pigmentation of the leaves should complete in7-12 days

Procedure: Stencil Application

STEP 2 : Place your stencil on top of the leaf. Gently flatten the leaf down as you use the paperclips to attach the stencil to the paper

Step 1 Step 2 *important*

STEP 1:Cut a piece of white computer paper to be slightly larger than the width of your leaf. Hold the paper to the underside of the lettuce.

Once color change has occurred, stencils are ready to apply.

*important* secure all sides of the stencil.

After stencil application, place the lettuce near a source of light. The leaf will begin to accumulate pigment once removed from the green box.

Final Steps:

**Upload a picture to the internet using #Vegasketch OR message us on twitter, facebook or our website **

Depending on the strength of the light source (near a window, under fluorescent, ambient light etc )The leaf will change colors within 2- 7 days

Press and preserve your art, or eat and enjoy!

*Before * Examples

*After*

#playwith your food