Results:

On Friday (8/31), it was observed that the “KEA 8/29/18 plaque assay Soil A” plate tested negative with no contamination. The picture below shows this plate and also the control plate.

Rationale:

Determine the research question, plan, and collect soil.

Procedure:

• Class discussion to determine the research question.

Discussion:

With so many diverse ideas for research questions, the class decided to divide into four sections, which was easily done due to the four tables. Each table came up with their own research question. In my new group, we are trying to answer the question of:

“Do white oak trees that have been regulated with pesticides show a difference in the amount of arthrobacter phages than trees who have been isolated in pesticides?”

• My group came up with the following plan…

Plan:

Three of our members went to Cameron Park to collect soil samples under three different white oak trees to represent the non-sprayed pesticide sample. Three of our members collected soil samples under three different white oak trees to represent the sprayed pesticide sample. To diminish the effects of different variables, white oak trees of the same size and will collect the soil from 2 feet away from the tree and approximately 2-3 inches deep.

• Since I am a part of the soil collecting sample on campus, I waited until Friday (9/7) to collect the soil sample.
• Collected a leaf and soil sample from 2 feet away and approximately 2-3 inches deep from a white oak tree.
  • The soil was placed in a bag and conical vial labeled “KEA 9/7/18 Soil B.”
• Placed soil sample in micro-fridge in the dorm room.

Metadata/Observations:

• The young white oak tree was located in the field in front of Pat Neff Hall. The location is showed in the picture below.

• The leaves did show some signs of browning on the edges.

• The tree was located right by an ant mound.
• The soil had a fluffy, airy texture, almost like a chocolate soufflé.
• The tree had a circumference of 40 cm.
• The tree canopy was approximately 145 cm.
• The tree height was approximately 457.2 cm.

Next Steps:

On Monday (9/10), the collected soil will be filtered, direct isolated, and enriched.