Adriana watering young soybean plants in greenhouse
Author: Adriana Peissel | Major: Environmental, Soil, and Water Science | Semester: Summer 2024
My name is Adriana Peissel, and I am a senior pursuing a major in Environmental, Soil, and Water Science with a minor in Entomology at the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences. Under the mentorship of Dr. Rupesh Kariyat from the Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, I have been engaged in research during the Summer-Fall semesters of 2024. My research focuses on the interactions between soybeans and herbivorous insects. In the current experiment phase, we plan to transplant the soybeans into larger pots and initiate the rearing of worms for the main herbivory experiment. I plan to continue this research in the upcoming semester.
Research Overview: My research investigates whether trichome density on different soybean cultivars influences the feeding behaviors of fall armyworms and soybean loopers. This study contributes to developing integrated pest management strategies for farmers, potentially leading to more sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, I am examining the wilting speed of soybean plants by selecting equal numbers of slow and fast wilting genotypes and measuring plant height and chlorophyll content at various growth stages. We recorded plant data at a younger soybean stage and will retake it before starting the main herbivory experiment.
How I Chose My Topic and Mentor: I found my mentor, Dr. Rupesh Kariyat when I contacted him after seeing that he was looking for an undergraduate lab assistant. Dr. Kariyat kindly took me under his wing and became my honors research mentor. He suggested the research topic, which builds on his previous work and the ongoing studies of his graduate students, many of whom are exploring the interactions between soybeans and their prevalent pests.
What I Learned: Through this research, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of plant-insect interactions and the complexities of integrated pest management. I also learned the importance of patience and adaptability, as scientific research often doesn’t adhere to a strict schedule. This project has taught me a lot about managing variables and adapting to the natural pace of plant growth.Challenges and How I Overcame Them: One of the biggest challenges was the uncertainty around the project’s timing. Plant growth stages, rather than a set schedule, dictate the timing of experiments, which requires flexibility in planning and executing the research. I could navigate this challenge by communicating closely with my mentor and adjusting my timeline. During the early stages of soybean growth, I noticed slight wilting in some plants. We discovered that the smaller pots were having trouble with water retention due to soil loss when watering, which caused soil to fly out of the pots. To address this issue, we moved the plants into a cooler section of the greenhouse and increased the watering frequency to three times daily. I took on the morning and night watering sessions, while Jessica Ayala, the master’s student assisting me, handled the evening shift. By the end of this week, we will transfer the plants into larger pots with more soil capacity and more room for the soybean plants’ roots, which should further support their growth and help us obtain more leaves for the experiment.
Role of My Mentor and Others: Dr. Kariyat was pivotal in guiding my research, providing both the topic and continuous support. He has also allowed me to sit in and participate in lab meetings, where I witness firsthand how graduate research operates. Through these meetings, I’ve gained valuable insights into the pacing and dynamics of a research lab, observing the collaborative efforts and strategic planning that drive successful experiments. This experience has given me a deeper understanding of the research process and what it takes to conduct meaningful scientific inquiry. Additionally, Jessica Ayala, a master’s student in Dr. Kariyat’s lab, has been instrumental in my progress. She helped secure greenhouse space, collaborated with me on the experimental design, and assisted with the daily watering schedule. Jessica was also instrumental in the timing and planning of ordering supplies, advising on how much to order and ensuring that everything arrived on time. Her participation in meetings and constant support have been critical to the smooth progression of my project. I’ve received tremendous support from other members of Dr. Kariyat’s lab. Several lab members generously offered their time and expertise to help me with potting, ensuring the plants were adequately prepared for the experiments. I would also like to sincerely thank my committee members sincerely, Dr. Austin Jones and Dr. Allen Szalanski, for their valuable feedback during my proposal meeting. Their insights and suggestions have been instrumental in shaping the direction of my research, and I greatly appreciate their support and guidance throughout this process.
What’s Next: I plan to continue this experiment by rearing the fall army worms and soybean loopers to the proper stage for testing. This week, we will transfer our current plants into larger pots to obtain more leaves per plant for the experiment. The next phase will bring us closer to understanding how soybean traits can influence pest behavior.