The University of Queensland’s Gatton campus hosted its annual Sunflower Competition last week, with Ferny Grove State High School taking out the prize for heaviest sunflower.
Ferny Grove’s sunflower weighed in at 1403 grams, winning over 100 high school students who took part in the day.
Agricultural Science teacher from the winning school, Ferny Grove State High, Mr Bruce Walters said taking part in the UQ Sunflower Competition was a fun and interactive activity that highlighted both theory and career opportunities of working with plants.
“By examining experimental methods and conducting data analysis during the growth phase of the sunflowers, students began to understand the variables which affect production,” Mr Walters said.
“The exercise proved invaluable in providing evidence for recommending the best alternative for growing a crop of sunflowers based on their treatment results.
“Year 11 students were given a broad and active insight into career pathways in tertiary agriculture by visiting the UQ Gatton campus on the day of the weigh-in.”
Students that took part in the day did a range of activities including seed moisture, germination, purifying and counting.
They heard presentations from a plant science student, a researcher and an industry representative, which provided them with information a range of opportunities available in the field.
Schools participating in the Sunflower Competition grew their sunflowers over 11 weeks leading up to the weigh-in day May 26.
The competition is sponsored by Pacific Seeds, Australian Sunflower Association, Grains Research Foundation (GRF), Ag Force, and the Queensland Agriculture Teachers Association, for more information visit www.uq.edu.au/nravs/sunflower2009
Media: Erin Pearl at the Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Veterinary Science (07 5460 1229, 0409 265 587 or e.pearl@uq.edu.au)
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