Data Collection: Leaf Size
Time frame: Weeks 1-4
Collection frequency: Once or twice weekly
widest diameter
Cotyledon
First true leaves
Rosette
Data Collection: Timing of Bolting
How many days old is the plant when the bolt
launches?
Time frame: Approximately days 21-29
Collection frequency: Once for each plant
The bolt will start growing
(“launch”) from the center of
the rosette. This typically
occurs between the third
and fourth week of growth.
Data Collection: Number of Rosette Leaves
at Bolting
How many rosette leaves does each plant have
when the bolt launches?
Time frame: Approximately days 21-29
Collection frequency: Once for each plant
Once the bolt launches
the number of rosette leaves
typically will not increase.
Count the number of leaves
on the rosette, not including
the little cotyledons.
Data Collection: Bolt Height
Measure the bolt height during growth and at
its maximum
Time frame: Weeks 4-6
Collection frequency: Once or twice weekly
Measure from the tip of
the bolt to the point
where it meets the rosette.
Data Collection: Reproductive yield
Count the total number of seed pods
(siliques) when plants have stopped
flowering.
Only count siliques if they are 5mm
or longer.
Time frame: Approximately at 6 weeks.
Collection frequency: Once for each
plant
Data Collection: Color
Are the mutant plants a different color than the wild-type plants?
• Students can use color charts or paint chips to compare plant
color.
• They can also put the mutant and wild-type plants side-by-side
and take a photo of them with a digital camera.
• Make sure photos include the labels on the pots so it is clear
which plants are shown.