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Definitions -
Potato Tubers - The part of the potato plant we consume is called the tuber, which is an underground stem. Each potato plant produces several tubers. They are usually red and white and come in a variety of shapes.
One way to identify tubers is to look for "eyes," small swellings or knobs. (shown in picture above) These swellings have buds in them and if the tuber is placed in a warm location, the buds will sprout.
Potato Moth Larvae (Tecia solanivora) - The species and stage of moth that is being written about in this article is the Guatemalan Potato Moth larvae. Larva is one of the stages that the moth is in during Metamorphosis. It is the stage after the moth is out of the egg and before it turns into an adult. The larva is also known by another name - caterpillar.
Photosynthesis - Photosynthesis is the process where autotrophs (producers) use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to make oxygen and glucose.
The formula is: 6H2O + 6CO2 + sunlight --> C6H12O6 + 6O2
Summary -
Scientists have found that when the Potato Moth Larvae infests potato tubers, the plant produces larger tubers. The Potato Moth Larvae are a major pest in the Columbian Andes because they damage the potato plants. However, by eating at the potato tubers, the caterpillars leave behind their saliva, which increases the rate of photosynthesis in the Columbian Andes potato plants. Having more photosynthesis means that more starch is produced, leading to larger tubers. Kessler, a scientist working on this project said that, "This could be an example where the co-evolutionary arms race led to a beneficial outcome for both."
Discussion -
I found this article very interesting! The "Moth spit" title caught my eye so I clicked on the article and saw that it also talked about photosynthesis, which relates to topics we are discussing in science class now. My last CSB talked about scientists finding a new drug with King Cobra Snake venom in it. In my discussion, I said that I found it very innovative that scientists were looking in such unusual places for helpful things. I think this CSB proves my point even more! Who ever thought that caterpillar spit would help potatoes grow bigger? This discovery could be very beneficial to farmers around the world.
Questions -
1. Is the Potato Moth larvae more helpful or hurtful? Although they may increase photosynthesis and help potatoes grow larger, they are also considered very problematic and damage the potatoes.
2. If it is approved, will farmers start purposely putting these caterpillars into their potato crops? How will people react? Are people open to the idea of caterpillars crawling around and "spitting" in the potatoes that they will eat?
Citations -
[Original Article]
"Moth spit produces bigger potatoes." Science Online. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 15 Oct. 2010.
http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin=UPI-1-20100528-124430-bc-us-biggerpotatoes&SingleRecord=True
[Image]
Potato Tuber
http://kentsimmons.uwinnipeg.ca/16cm05/16labman05/lb4pg6.htm
- catherine
2 comments:
Catherine,
The topic of your CSB was very interesting. I find it unusual that pests crawling into potatoes and eating them makes them grow larger. I didn't really understand what a tuber was from your definition. Is it a potato or a potato eye? I liked how in your discussion you linked this CSB to your first CSB.
Hi Catherine,
You're right, the article has a catchy title! I completely agree with your questions - I don't know if I would be very excited about caterpillar spit in my potatoes! When you talk about the "tubers," it seemed as though it could mean both the potato and the bud. Are both of these the same thing for the purposes of the article, or is it just the potato or just the bud? I really liked how you related your article to what we're learning in class right now. One question I had: how did the scientists come up with the idea that caterpillar spit was enlarging the potatoes? You did a great job, keep up the good work!
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