emerging plant technologies eps2...o increasing productivity — plants produce more commodities...

Exploring Plant Science � EPS2 � Emerging Plant Technologies

Emerging Plant Technologies

EPS2.1

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Definition of “technology”: The six categories of plant technologies: “The Big Picture” goal of producers: Definition of “producers”:



EPS2.2A

The Big Picture

Create a PowerPoint slide that captures the definition of “The Big Picture” across the top of the slide. Be sure the definition is large enough so that all students can read it when shared with the class. Add graphics that depict the producer’s goal under the description. The Big Picture Producers are challenged with providing a safe food supply while continuing to protect our environment — wildlife, forests, water, soil, and air.



EPS2.2B

The Six Categories of Plant Technology Plant Biotechnologies

Create a PowerPoint slide that captures the definition of “Plant Biotechnologies” across the top of the slide. Be sure the definition is large enough so that all students can read it when shared with the class. Add graphics that depict the technology. Plant Biotechnologies Plant biotechnologies are techniques used to adapt plants for specific needs or opportunities.



EPS2.2C

The Six Categories of Plant Technology Precision Agriculture Technology

Create a PowerPoint slide that captures the definition of “Precision Agriculture Technology” across the top of the slide. Be sure the definition is large enough so that all students can read it when shared with the class. Add graphics that depict the technology. Precision Agriculture Technology Precision agriculture technologies are practices used to make modern agriculture production more efficient.



EPS2.2D

The Six Categories of Plant Technology Pest Control Technology

Create a PowerPoint slide that captures the definition of “Pest Control Technology” across the top of the slide. Be sure the definition is large enough so that all students can read it when shared with the class. Add graphics that depict the technology. Pest Control Technology Pest control technologies are methods of regulating or managing living species defined as a pest, usually because it is perceived to be detrimental to a person's health, the ecology, or the economy.



EPS2.2E

The Six Categories of Plant Technology Growing System Technology

Create a PowerPoint slide that captures the definition of “Growing System Technologies” across the top of the slide. Be sure the definition is large enough so that all students can read it when shared with the class. Add graphics that depict the technology. Growing System Technologies Growing systems technologies are the methods producers use to grow plants. An example of a growing system technology is hydroponics.



EPS2.2F

The Six Categories of Plant Technology Plant Health and Nutrients Technology

Create a PowerPoint slide that captures the definition of “Plant Health and Nutrients Technologies” across the top of the slide. Be sure the definition is large enough so that all students can read it when shared with the class. Add graphics that depict the technology. Plant Health and Nutrients Technologies Plant health and nutrient technologies are methods used to improve plant health.

• Plant health is the general condition of plants free from disease and pest damage.

• Plant nutrients are substances that provide nourishment essential for the maintenance of life and for growth of plants.



EPS2.2G

The Six Categories of Plant Technology Biofuel Technology

Create a PowerPoint slide that captures the definition of “Biofuels Technologies” across the top of the slide. Be sure the definition is large enough so that all students can read it when shared with the class. Add graphics that depict the technology. Biofuel Technologies Biofuel technologies are methods used to made from organic materials or biomass such as plant or algae material or animal waste.



EPS2.3

The Goals and Challenges of Farmers

Directions: Using the word bank below, fill in the blanks. Word Bank:

• Pests • Labor • Consumer • Horticulture • Fluctuating • Increased • Productivity

• Efficiency • Inputs • Costs • Agronomic • Pesticides • Value • Yields

Producers turn to new research-based technologies to help them meet the big picture challenge. Their goals include:

o Increasing _________________ — plants produce more commodities such as soybeans or corn ________________

o Lowering production __________ such as __________, seed, fertilizers, and __________________________.

o Improving production ______________________ — plants produce more with less costs

o Meeting evolving ____________________ preferences o Meeting_____________________ demand due to a growing population o Maximizing the ____________of the products they market – getting higher prices

for their products Producers, whether they are producing _____________crops, forage, or________________ plants, face a number of challenges as they work to produce an adequate supply of crop and plant products:

o ________________, insects, disease, weeds

o Weather events

o Increasing costs such as fuel, seed, fertilizers, and labor ______________ — the resources used in agricultural production

o Less land in production

o ______________ crop/product prices Challenges producers face:



EPS2.3 KEY

The Goals and Challenges of Farmers

Producers turn to new research-based technologies to help them meet the big picture challenge. Their goals include:

o Increasing productivity — plants produce more commodities such as soybeans or corn yields

o Lowering production costs such as labor, seed, fertilizers, and pesticides.

o Improving production efficiency — plants produce more with fewer costs.

o Meeting evolving consumer preferences

o Meeting increased demand due to a growing population

o Maximizing the value of the products they market – getting higher prices for their products

Producers, whether they are producing agronomic crops, forage, or horticulture plants, face a number of challenges as they work to produce an adequate supply of crop and plant products:

o Pests, insects, disease, weeds

o Weather events

o Increasing costs such as fuel, seed, fertilizers and labor inputs — the resources used in agricultural production

o Less land in production

o Fluctuating crop/product prices

Challenges producers face:



EPS2.4

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Genetic Engineering: Genetically Modified Organisms:



EPS2.5A

What I KNOW about genetically modified organisms



EPS2.5B

What I THINK I KNOW about genetically modified organisms



EPS2.5C

What I WANT TO KNOW about genetically modified

organisms



EPS2.6

GMO Basics Worksheet

Name: ____________________________________ Directions: Research GMOs online and respond to the following questions. Write the responses in your own words.

1. What does “GMO” stand for?

2. What are GMOs?

3. What traits are commonly transferred from one organism to a plant?

4. Why is genetic engineering is practiced?

5. What GMO crops are available today?

6. After your research, what is your view on using GMO technology? Support your response.



EPS2.6

Select one GMO crop you read about.

1. What crop did you choose?

2. What were the desirable traits transferred to the plant?

3. How can the modification help farmers feed or clothe the world?



EPS2.6 KEY

GMO Basics Worksheet

1. Genetically modified organism 2. GMOs are crops developed through genetic engineering, a scientific method of plant

breeding. Plant breeders take a desirable trait found in nature and transfer it from one plant or organism to the plant they want to improve, as well as make a change to an existing trait in a plant they are developing.

3. Resistance to insects and disease and tolerance to herbicides that allow farmers to better control weeds.

4. Reasons: • Insect resistance — This category of traits provides farmers with season-long

protection against target pests, reduces the need for pesticide applications, and lowers input costs.

• Drought tolerance — GM crops that express drought tolerance have better moisture retention and can better endure drought conditions without the need for additional irrigation.

• Herbicide tolerance — Crops developed to tolerate specific herbicides allow farmers to fight weeds by applying targeted herbicides only when needed and enable them to use conservation tillage production methods that preserve topsoil, prevent erosion, and reduce carbon emissions.

• Disease resistance — Through genetic engineering, plant breeders can enable plants to resist certain diseases like the papaya ringspot virus (PRSV). The GM Rainbow Papaya, developed to be resistant to PRSV, allowed Hawaiian papaya farmers to recover from an outbreak of this devastating disease that crippled their industry.

• Enhanced nutritional content — Genetically modified soybeans with an enhanced oil profile, much like olive oil, have been developed and are longer lasting and trans fat free.

• Reduced food waste — Genetic engineering has been used to modify potatoes and apples in order to eliminate superficial browning and bruising (potato only) when the produce is cut or handled. These traits can help reduce the amount of produce thrown away by producers, processors, retailers, and consumers.

• Improved manufacturing processes — Certain biotech corn varieties enable more efficient biofuels production by improving the process through which cellulose and/or starch is broken down and converted to fuel. This helps reduce the environmental impact of the manufacturing process by decreasing the amount of water, electricity, and natural gas needed to produce biofuel.

5. Genetically modified crops available today include: alfalfa, apples, canola, corn (field and sweet), cotton, papaya, potatoes, soybeans, squash and sugar beets.



EPS2.7

New School Activity

Directions: Read the following scenario and respond to questions below. There is a new school opening in your area. You are eligible to attend if you choose. The campus is new and beautiful with lots of special features. The campus will have a new athletics facility, a new performing arts complex, and laptops for all students. The individuals promoting the new school indicate that graduates of the school will have a better chance at college and university admissions. The school will have a new high-quality program in an area of your interest. The promoters also contend that if you enroll in this new program, you will be well trained to continue your education. Respond to the following questions: 1. Would you transfer to the new school? 2. What are the benefits of transferring to the new school? 3. What are the disadvantages to transferring to the new school? 4. On what basis did you make your final decision? 5. What is the process you used to make your decision? 6. Can this process be applied to other decisions?



EPS2.8

Benefits and Risks of Plant Biotechnology

Review each benefit and risk card and place a value on each based on how important you think they are (5 = most important and 1 = least important). The value that you place on each benefit is based on how important YOU think the benefit or risk is to people, our well-being, and our future. For example, if you feel that providing food for a growing population is more important than the risk of potential danger of GMO crops, then you would rate feeding others higher than potential risks. Next, sort the cards into two piles as if they were on the sides of a balance. Count up the point values of each side. Place the two totals here: Benefits: _____________ Risks: ________ Based on the totals for the benefits and risks, do you support the use of plant biotechnologies? Benefit Cards

(1) Cut along the dotted lines to create cards (2) Fold the cards over on the solid line to create a front and back

Front Back

Improved plant traits

Value: BENEFIT

Increases agricultural productivity

Value:

BENEFIT



EPS2.8

Reduces/eliminates the need for pesticides and/or makes pesticides more effective

Value:

BENEFIT

Makes plants ward off viruses and fungi more successfully

Value:

BENEFIT

Reduces the production cost by cutting inputs (machinery,

fuel, pesticides, etc.)

Value:

BENEFIT

Controls runoff/water pollution more effectively

Value:

BENEFIT



EPS2.8

Reduced mechanical weeding helps prevent loss of topsoil

Value:

BENEFIT

Lower pesticide residues for consumers

Value:

BENEFIT

Risk Cards

(1) Cut along the dotted lines to create cards (2) Fold the cards over on the solid line to create a front and back

Front Back

Potential harm to human health

Value:

RISK

New allergens in the food supply

Value:

RISK



EPS2.8

Antibiotic resistance

Value: RISK

Production of new toxins

Value: RISK

Concentration of toxic metals

Value: RISK

Enhancement of the environment for toxic fungi

Value:

RISK



EPS2.8

Increased number of weeds, gene transfer to wild or weedy

relatives

Value:

RISK

Change in herbicide use patterns

Value:

RISK

Poisoned wildlife

Value: RISK

Creation of new or worse viruses

Value:

RISK



EPS2.9

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The Benefits and Risks of Plant Biotechnology Benefits: Risks:



EPS2.10

Creating a GMO Plant

Directions: With a partner, create a GMO plant that meets a human need either now or in the future. Find a plant in nature that contains the desirable trait (research as needed) and the plant you will insert the new trait into. Create an infographic for the new plant. Be prepared to share your infographic with the class. What is an ‘infographic’? Here are two examples:

Source: USDA NRCS Source: Missouri Department of Agriculture



EPS2.11

A Conversation with Farmers

A friend invites you to their family reunion. You overhear a conversation between your friend’s grandfather, Bill, and his aunt, Denise. Bill was describing his days as a corn farmer and how he farmed in the 1900s. He had grown corn and soybeans for his entire career as a farmer. He shared how each year, he only hoped for good prices for his crops. He described how he would plow and disc the entire field every season before planting. He then set the planter at the recommended application rate and planted the seed evenly across the field. He discussed spraying herbicides and pesticides on the entire field as needed based on what he observed as he walked the field. He did not have a computer until the late 1990s but did not see much use for it in his farming operation. He had a difficult time figuring them out. He checked the “Farmer’s Almanac” on a regular basis for information about weather. Denise then commented, “My, how things have changed. Today we use minimal till techniques and try to disturb the soil in the field as little as possible.” She shared that they plant at variable rates based on soil data received from a satellite system — soil type, water holding capacity, and nutrient content. She indicated that they only spray pesticides in areas of the field that has pests present and not at all if possible. She described using high tech weeding equipment which can detect individual weeds and remove them. By using iPads and cell phones, they have access to data from across the world. Based on the world market data, she determines how many acres to plant for the various crops they grow. “Yes grandpa, things have changed in agriculture.” Questions:

1. What changes did you recognize in the two descriptions of production practices?

2. Which new technology that Denise described did you find most interesting?

3. Why do you think these new technologies have been adopted? How do you think the new technologies benefit producers?

4. What risks are producers taking by adopting the new technologies?



EPS2.12

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Description of precision agriculture: Examples of precision agriculture technologies: The Benefits and Risks of Precision Agriculture Benefits: Risks:



EPS2.13

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What causes soil to erode? What precision agriculture technology can help producers minimize or prevent soil erosion?



EPS2.14

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Which type of planter allows the producer to place the seeds/plants precisely where they wanted? Which type of planter used the least amount of seed for the given sized field? Which types of planters would save producers money? Why? If you were a producer, which type of planter would you purchase if all planters were the same price? Why?



EPS2.15

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Mechanical pest control: Three examples of mechanical pest control: Biological pest control: Drawing of a pest and its predator: Chemical pest control: Drawings of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Cultural Pest Control: Examples of cultural pest control methods:



EPS2.16A

Pest Control Technologies Station A Task Sheet: Mechanical Pest Control

Complete the following tasks:

• Unscramble the definition of “mechanical control”, and write the definition on Notes Page 2.15.

• Research the mechanical control methods used in soybean or corn production • Watch the first four minutes of the YouTube video “Mechanical Pest Control” at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TglgD25hB_4. • List three mechanical pest control methods shared in the video on Notes Page EPS2.15.



EPS2.16A

Pest Control Technologies Station A Definition: Mechanical Pest Control

Directions: Unscramble the words to form the definition of mechanical pest control.

one’s

cultivating

The

of

kill

remove

tools

pest

weeds

hands

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kill

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to

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to



EPS2.16B

Pest Control Technologies Station B Task Sheet: Chemical Pest Control

Complete the following tasks at this station:

• Compete the puzzle to determine the definition of “chemical control”. Record it on Notes Page EPS2.15.

• Research the chemical pest control methods used in soybean or corn production. • Watch the video “Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)” at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2yAHDkC6Nw. • Draw the PPE equipment shown in the video on Notes Page EPS2.15.



EPS2.16B

Pest Control Technologies Station B Definition: Chemical Pest Control

Cut puzzle pieces apart and leave at Station B for students to assemble.



EPS2.16C

Pest Control Technologies Station C Task Sheet: Biological Pest Control


• Fill in the blanks of the definition of biological pest control and add the definition to your notes on Notes Page EPS2.15.

• Research the biological control methods used in soybean or corn production. • Watch part of the video “Biological Crop Protection: 2 Examples” found at

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj3DwimxvvY. • Draw a picture of one of the pests and their predator on Notes Page EPS2.15. Label the

picture.



EPS2.16C

Pest Control Technologies Station C Definition: Biological Pest Control

Fill in the blanks to discover the definition of “biological pest control”. Biological Pest Control: The use of other _________organisms to kill

__________ pests such as ______________________ to eat aphids.

living unwanted lady bugs



EPS2.16D

Pest Control Technologies Station D Task Sheet: Cultural Pest Control


• Write the definition of “cultural pest control” on Notes Page EPS2.15. • Research the cultural pest control methods used in soybean or corn production. • Watch the video “How to Handle Slugs Using Cultural Methods” found at

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS_Qp6_MwBU. • Add a list of the methods shared on Notes Page EPS2.15.



EPS2.16D

Pest Control Technologies Station D Definition: Cultural Pest Control

Cultural Pest Control — The practice of modifying the growing environment to reduce the prevalence of unwanted pests. Examples include allowing turf grass to grow taller to shade out weeds.



EPS2.17

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Four types of pest control: Pest control technology:



EPS2.18

Integrated Pest Management Plan

What is an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan?

• During this activity and using the following page, your group will create an Integrated Pest Management plan. Be sure to include pest control practices in each of the four methods.

o Mechanical o Chemical o Biological o Cultural

• Choose one the following crops grown in Missouri: o Bioenergy grasses o Corn o Cotton o Rice o Soybeans o Wheat o Asparagus o Eggplant o Lettuce o Cantaloupe o Peppers o Processing potatoes o Pumpkins o Snap beans o Spinach o Squash o Sweet potatoes o Fresh tomatoes o Watermelon

• Research the major pests that attack your crop. This includes insects and other animal pests, diseases, and weeds.

• Research to determine current pest control methods used for your crop to prevent or eliminate the pests.

• As a group, develop a plan that includes all the findings of your research.



EPS2.18

There are many ways to design an Integrated Pest Management Plan. You can choose the appearance of your plan. Here is an example:

Source: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension After determining which insects and other animal pests, diseases, and weeds attack your crop, list methods for overcoming these pests for each layer.



EPS2.19

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Arable land statistics:



EPS2.20

Alternative Growing Systems Hydroponics

• Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in _____________ (nutrient solution) rather

than _______ primarily in ______________ during the _________.

• Bare root hydroponic systems involve _____________ the roots of plants at regular

intervals with a _______________________ or placing plants in shallow pools where

they ______________ on the _____________.

Vertical Gardening

• Vertical gardening is a technique used to grow plants on a ____________ suspended

__________ by using _________________.

Aquaponics

• The combination of _________________ (raising fish) and _______________ (the

soilless growing of plants) that grows _________ and ___________ together in one

integrated system.

• The _____________ waste provides an organic food source for the ___________, and the

____________ naturally ____________ the water for the fish.

Aeroponics

• The process of growing plants in an ______ or _______ environment without the use of

soil. Aeroponic systems grow plants _____________ in a closed or semi-closed

environment by ____________ the plant’s dangling roots and lower stem with a nutrient-

rich ___________ solution.

Hydroponics Vertical

Gardening Aquaponics Aeroponics

Ben

efits

Ris

ks



EPS2.20KEY

Alternative Growing Systems Hydroponics

• Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in water (nutrient solution) rather than soil

primarily in greenhouses during the winter.

• Bare root hydroponic systems involve misting the roots of plants at regular intervals with

a nutrient solution or placing plants in shallow pools where they float on the surface.

Vertical Gardening

• Vertical gardening is a technique used to grow plants on a vertically suspended panel by

using hydroponics.

Aquaponics

• The combination of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (the soilless growing of

plants) that grows fish and plants together in one integrated system.

• The fish waste provides an organic food source for the plants, and the plants naturally

filter the water for the fish.

Aeroponics

• The process of growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil.

Aeroponic systems grow plants suspended in a closed or semi-closed environment by

spraying the plant’s dangling roots and lower stem with a nutrient-rich water solution.

Hydroponics Vertical

Gardening Aquaponics Aeroponics

Ben

efits

Ris

ks



EPS2.21A

Fertilizer Tags



EPS2.21B

Fertilizer Tags



EPS2.21C

Fertilizer Tags



EPS2.21D

Fertilizer Tags



EPS2.21E

Fertilizer Tags



EPS2.21F

Fertilizer Tags



EPS2.22

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New Technologies in Plant Health 1. Variable rate application technology: 2. Enhanced efficiency fertilizer technology: 3. Cultural practices:



EPS2.23A

Plant Health Benefits and Risks Puzzle

Cut puzzle pieces apart and give to group 1 to assemble.



EPS2.23B





EPS2.23C





EPS2.23D





EPS2.24

Date _______________Topic_____________________________


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The benefits and risks of new plant health technologies:



EPS2.25

Buffer Zones in Agriculture Laboratory Observation Sheet Directions: Record your thoughts and observations for each step listed below. Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Step 6:



EPS2.26

Biofuels Crossword Puzzle

Across: 3. If we produce our own fuels, we may be able to become ________ secure. 7. The process of producing biodiesel from vegetable oils, yellow grease, used cooking oils, or

animal fats. 8. A second example of a biofuel. 9. In the United states, 95% of ethanol is produced from this crop. 12. This crop commonly grown in Missouri is often used to produce biodiesel. 13. A benefit of biofuel technology is job _______ in rural areas. 14. Biodiesel is safer than petroleum diesel because it is less ______, and it’s safer to handle,

store, and transport. 15. Ethanol is made from ______ from many plants. Down: 1. A challenge of biofuel production is the cost of ______. 2. Biofuels is a type of _____ fuel produced from corps. 4. Biodiesel is a clean-burning _____ substitute to petroleum-based diesel. 5. There are ______ benefits to using biofuels. 6. Often ethanol is mixed with _____ to make blends such as E10, E15, or E85 for sale at fueling

stations. 10. One example of biofuel. 11. A challenge of using biofuels is that not all _____ can use biofuels that are produced today.



EPS2.26


Word Bank:

• Corn • Renewable • Soybeans • Gasoline • Creation • Sugars • Ethanol • Energy

• Transesterification • Environmental • Combustible • Biodiesel • Alternative • Plants • Vehicles



EPS2.26 KEY




EPS2.27

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Biofuels crop list: Oil extraction lab notes:



EPS2.28

The Final Project Part 1

From the list below, select and circle one plant technology that you would like to learn more about.

• Plant biotechnology

• Precision agriculture technology

• Pest control technology

• Growing systems

• Plant health and nutrition technology

• Biofuels

Now, get specific! What part of this technology will you investigate? For example, if you choose precision agriculture technology, you might investigate drones or another specific piece of equipment. Next, research the following information about the specific technology selected above.

• Description:

• Uses:

• Local or regional companies that offer this technology:

• Producers who use this technology:

• Careers related to the technology:

• Benefits of adoption:

• Risks of adoption:

• Potential future trends in the technology:



EPS2.29

Guided Notes

Factors that Influence Technology Adoption: • __________________ To what extent does the new technology offer an advantage

over the ____________?

• ___________ How well does the new technology fit with the _________, past

_____________, and ___________ of the operation?

• _______________ How easy or difficult is the new technology to ____________ and

______________ in the operation?

• _______________ How easy or difficult is it to ___________ the new technology

before being fully implemented?

• ____________ How easy or difficult is it to see the _____________ of adopting the

new technology?

Assessing the Potential Impact of New Technologies: When assessing the impact of a new agricultural technology on an operation, there are several factors to consider:

• _______ How much will it _____ to implement the new technology?

o Consider:

§ _________________ Cost to purchase the technology and or required

equipment?

§ _________________ Costs to implement changes to other aspects of

the operation to accommodate the new technology.

• _______ How much will technology impact productivity on the operation?

o Consider:

§ Efficiency ___________/___________

§ Changes in _________ or ______________

• _______ How will the technology impact _____ on the operation?

o Consider:

§ Required _________ practices and equipment

§ Changes to existing operating procedures

• ____________ How will the technology impact ___________ with regulations?

o Consider:



EPS2.29

§ Current ____________

§ Regulations in the ______________

• __________ What __________ or __________ will be required to implement the

technology?

o Consider:

§ Helpful ____________________

§ ________________/____________ required by law

• ____________ How will this technology impact the ______________?

o Consider:

§ _______ quality

§ _______ quality

§ _______ quality

• ____________ How will use of this new technology impact other ________ near my

operation?

o Consider:

§ Sensitive _________/__________

§ ______________ with neighbors

• ____________ How might this new technology impact ___________?

o Consider:

§ _________/_________

§ Consumer __________



EPS2.29KEY

Guided Notes

Factors that Influence Technology Adoption: • Relative advantage To what extent does the new technology offer an advantage over

the current prices?

• Compatibility How well does the new technology fit with the values, past

experiences, and needs of the operation?

• Complexity How easy or difficult is the new technology to understand and

implement in the operation?

• Trialability How easy or difficult is it to try out the new technology before being

fully implemented?

• Observability How easy or difficult is it to see the results of adopting the new

technology?

Assessing the Potential Impact of New Technologies: When assessing the impact of a new agricultural technology on an operation, there are several factors to consider:

• Costs How much will it cost to implement the new technology?

o Consider:

§ Direct costs Cost to purchase the technology and or required

equipment?

§ Indirect costs Costs to implement changes to other aspects of the

operation to accommodate the new technology?

• Production How much will technology impact productivity on the operation?

o Consider:

§ Efficiency gains/losses

§ Changes in yields or productivity

• Safety How will the technology impact safety on the operation?

o Consider:

§ Required safety practices and equipment

§ Changes to existing operating procedures

• Compliance How will the technology impact compliance with regulations?

o Consider:



EPS2.29KEY

§ Current regulations

§ Regulations in the legislature

• Training What knowledge or skills will be required to implement the technology?

o Consider:

§ Helpful work experience

§ Training/education required by law

• Environment How will this technology impact the environment?

o Consider:

§ Air quality

§ Soil quality

§ Water quality

• Other Producers How will use of this new technology impact other producers near

my operation?

o Consider:

§ Sensitive species/plants

§ Communication with neighbors

• Consumers How might this new technology impact consumers?

o Consider:

§ Supply/demand

§ Consumer perception



EPS2.30


Directions:

Refer back to the technology you selected and the research you completed on Activity Sheet

2.28. Using what you learned on Activity Sheet 2.29, brainstorm at least eight questions to ask

when adapting this technology.



EPS2.31


For the final component of the project:

• Identify a local producer or company who could benefit from adopting the technology you selected.

• Brainstorm factors that might interfere with adoption.

Finally, create a poster or display that includes the information gathered from all components of the project. This includes Activity Sheet 2.28, Activity Sheet 2.30, and prepared to share your poster with the class.



EPS2.32

Emerging New Technologies Project Rubric Instructions: Create a poster that includes information on a specific plant technology of your choice. Content for the plant technology will include a description, companies that offer the technology, benefits and risks of adoption, future trends, and more.

Grading Criteria 5 points — Strong

evidence that criteria were met

3 points — Moderate evidence that criteria were met

0 points — Little evidence that criteria were met

Score Feedback

The poster/display was well organized and neatly presented.

The project was organized into the required components. The writing was neat and proper use of grammar and spelling was consistent throughout the project.

The project was somewhat organized into the required components. The writing was generally neat with some grammatical and spelling errors present.

The project was not organized into the required components. The writing was messy and grammatical and spelling errors were frequent.

All components of the plant technology were included (from Activity Sheet 2.28, 2.30, 2.31):

• Description • Uses • Local or regional

companies that offer this technology

• Producers who use this technology

• Careers related to the technology

The project addressed all the required components.

Most of the components were addressed.

Only a few of the components were addressed.



EPS2.32

• Benefits of adoption

• Risks of adoption • Potential future

trends in the technology

• Questions to ask when considering adoption

• Factors that may interfere with adoption

Each component was described.

The component descriptions were thorough and complete.

Most of the components were adequately described.

Few of the components were adequately described.

The information was accurate for the selected plant technology.

The information was accurate for the selected plant technology.

The information was mostly accurate for the selected plant technology.

The information was not accurate for selected plant technology.

Pictures and additional effort were demonstrated.

Additional information was provided if appropriate. Well prepared pictures were included.

No additional information was provided. Some pictures were included.

No additional information was provided. No pictures were included.



EPS2.33

Paper-Pencil Quiz Evaluation

True or False

1. Technology is the science or knowledge put into practical use to solve problems or invent useful tools.

2. Agriculturists are solely concerned for feeding the world and do not care about protecting the environment around them.

3. An individual who grows plants for landscaping and beautification is considered a producer.

4. Producers turn to new research-based technologies is to lower production costs. 5. Producers face many challenges including the consistency of crop/product prices. 6. The use of other organisms to kill pests is an example of mechanical pest control. 7. Changing the growing environment to reduce the prevalence of unwanted pests is an

example of cultural pest control. 8. Producers are adopting new plant health technologies such as enhanced efficiency

fertilizers designed to increase nutrient availability to the plants and reduce losses into the environment.

9. IPM stands for Improved Plant Management. 10. One reason producers are turning to new growing systems is the increase in arable land

around the world. 11. Production methods used in other countries are usually less advanced than those in the

United States. 12. One risk of the use of growing systems is potential system failures. 13. Ethanol is an example of a biofuel made from soybeans. 14. New technologies always help the producer and should be adopted. 15. IPM is the practice of finding the best pest control method and using it throughout the

crop fields.

Matching: Technology Categories

Match the technology to the appropriate description.

A. Plant biotechnology B. Precision agriculture technology C. Pest control technology D. Growing systems technology E. Plant health and nutrient technology F. Biofuel technology

1. _____ refers to the regulation or management unwanted plant and animal species, usually because it is perceived to be detrimental to a person's health, the ecology, or the economy.

2. _____ is the production of materials used to power vehicles and equipment that is derived from biomass — that is, plant or algae material or animal waste.



EPS2.33

3. _____ are technologies designed to establish and maintain the well-being of plants. 4. _____ are methods producers use to grow plants in environments other than a field such

as hydroponics. 5. _____ are farming practices designed to make production more efficient such as the use

of drones to identify areas in a field that need water. 6. _____ is a set of techniques used to adapt plants for specific needs or opportunities.

Matching: Precision Agriculture


A. Variable rate technology (VRT) B. GPS C. Computer-based applications D. Remote sensing technology 1. _____ producers can use information from satellites to test the soil and guide tractors. 2. _____ is a technology used to monitor factors that impact plant health and growth such as

the need for water. 3. _____ is a technology used to create precise farm plans, field maps, crop scouting, and

yield maps. 4. _____ is a technology that enables producers to apply inputs such as herbicides and

fertilizers at a controlled amount in a specific location. Short Answer


1. List two benefits of adopting plant biotechnology. 2. List two risks of adopting plant biotechnology. 3. Describe a hydroponics system. Why would this type of growing system be beneficial to

utilize? 4. List one example of a biofuel. What is one benefit of the use of biofuels? One risk of

producing or using biofuels? 5. A producer is considering adopting a new technology. What are three factors they should

consider or questions they should ask before they adopt the new technology?



EPS2.33 KEY

Paper-Pencil Quiz Evaluation True or False:

1. True 2. False 3. True 4. True 5. False 6. False 7. True 8. True 9. False 10. False 11. False 12. True 13. False 14. False 15. False

Matching-Technology Categories:

1. C 2. F 3. E 4. D 5. B 6. A

Matching-Precision Agriculture:

1. C 2. D 3. B 4. A

Short Answer:

1. List two benefits of adopting plant biotechnology. • Improved plant traits • Increases agricultural productivity • Reduces/eliminates the need for pesticides and/or makes pesticides more effective • Makes plants ward off viruses or fungi more successfully • Reduces the production cost by cutting inputs (machinery, fuel, pesticides, etc.) • Controls runoff/water pollution more effectively • Reduced mechanical weeding helps prevent loss of topsoil • Lower pesticide residues for consumers



EPS2.33 KEY

2. List two risks of adopting plant biotechnology o Risks:

§ Potential harms to human health § New allergens in the food supply § Antibiotic resistance § Production of new toxins § Concentration of toxic metals § Enhancement of the environment for toxic fungi § Increased numbers of weeds, gene transfer to wild or weedy relatives § Change in herbicide use patterns § Poisoned wildlife § Creation of new or worse viruses

3. Describe a hydroponics system. Why would this type of growing system be beneficial to

utilize? a. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in water (nutrient solution) rather than

soil primarily in greenhouses during the winter. Bare root hydroponic systems involve misting the roots of plants are at regular intervals with a nutrient solution or placing plants in shallow pools where they float on the surface.

b. Year-round production, stable/high yields, no soil needed, efficiently uses space, water-saving, better growth rate, no weeds, fewer pests/diseases, easy to transplant

4. List one example of a biofuel. What is one benefit of the use of biofuels? One risk of

producing or using biofuels? a. Ethanol or bio-diesel b.

§ Job creation in rural areas § New markets for corn and soybean producers § Contributes to energy security § Offers environmental benefits to air quality § Biodiesel is safer than petroleum diesel because it is less combustible § Safer to handle, store, and transport

c. § all vehicles cannot use the most efficient high-level ethanol § biodiesel blends that are available today § building plants to process biofuels is costly

5. A producer is considering adopting a new technology. What are three factors they should consider or questions they should ask before they adopt the new technology?



EPS2.33 KEY

o Costs — How much will it cost to implement the new technology? Consider: § Direct costs: Cost to purchase the technology and or required equipment § Indirect costs: Costs to implement changes to other aspects of the

operation to accommodate the new technology o Production — How will the technology impact productivity on the operation?

Consider: § Efficiency gains/losses § Changes in yields or productivity

o Safety — How will the technology impact safety on the operation? Consider: § Required safety practices and equipment § Changes to existing operating procedures

o Compliance — How will the technology impact compliance with regulations? Consider:

§ Current regulations § Regulations in the legislature

o Training — What knowledge and skills will be required to implement the technology? Consider:

§ Helpful work experience § Training/education required by law

o Environment — How will this technology impact the environment? Consider: § Air quality § Soil quality § Water quality

o Other Producers — How will use of this new technology impact producers near my operation? Consider:

§ Sensitive species/plants § Communication with neighbors

o Consumers — How might this new technology impact consumers? Consider: § Supply/demand § Consumer perception

emerging plant technologies eps2...o increasing productivity — plants produce more commodities...

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