updated April 2025

The ground squirrels have eaten our research twice, but we expect that we've got them beaten, using a combination of below-ground barrier panel and above ground fence and netting. The IPM says that ground squirrels can't climb over a 2 foot fence, but our ground squirrels apparently don't know how to read.

For Summer 2025, the research plot will primarily be used to grow chiles for the Canyon City Chile project.

updated October 2024

The sunflowers currently growing are Apache Brown Stripe, a Native American H. Annuus selection from the low desert in Southeastern Arizona. The Charles Chen lab will resume their research in the spring.

The 2024 growing season of the Canyon City Chile project is winding down for the winter. Plants that appear healthy after the stresses of the September hot spell are being allowed to fruit for a late fall harvest. It is expected that a few plants will overwinter successfully. Signups for the 2025 growing season will be available in January.

The remaining space in the research plot is currently planted with peas, and brassicas (broccoli and relatives) will be transplanted out soon for use by BIOL 152 and other courses this winter. Produce from these plants will be distributed to students by the APU Community Garden.