In this project, I am in charge of field experimentation in barley and wheat crops; and of obtaining and processing plant samples for phenotyping of hormones (ethylene and abscisic acid). I have also participated in an intensive laboratory training at University of Lancaster to learn new phenotyping techniques. These experiences have strengthened my knowledge acquired in previous investigations.
The most instructive experiences I received were: (1) learning new methodologies for sampling plant tissues during different phenotypic phases (booting, late booting, ½ spike emergence, full spike emergence and anthesis), for determining plant hormones, such as ethylene and abscisic acid (2) Acknowledging the importance of a good sampling process for obtaining representative samples, (3) Using equipment to determine physiological parameters as the stomatal conductance and canopy temperate; and their relevance as plant water stress indicators (4) Using sensors for determining soil moisture content under different irrigation regimes, and (5) Training and experimentation provided in the United Kingdom for the phenotyping of plant hormones.
All the experiences during this year have provided me with new skills, which I can now apply in other research projects, as the evaluation of quinoa to water stress under Peruvian conditions. Participating in future research activities with new tools will effectively contribute to my professional and personal growth.
The training received in the United Kingdom allowed me to acquire new knowledge, orient myself into a new culture, improve my English and allow interactions with colleagues of different countries who are preforming top level research. In summary, I can say this project was a totally enriching experience.
Being part of this research project was a great opportunity for my career and for my expectations as a future plant science researcher. It allowed me to use all the skills I’ve learned during my formation as an agronomist, and improve them with the collaboration of the Lancaster University team and Agrarian University of La Molina. This experience was so important because I could share knowledge with researchers who have extensive experience in plant sciences, especially in studying plant responses to stress conditions (biotic and abiotic factors) and how these affect crop production. Also it was interesting to listen to their perspectives of current research. I learnt to operate physiological instrumentation to measure many plant physiological responses and the environmental conditions. With these data, it became more feasible to identify which physiological traits correlate better with crop yield and yield components. These types of knowledge will help me to propose future projects with national and international researchers. Moreover, I can better organize my ideas to develop new strategies to help develop solutions to the current problems that agriculture around the world is facing.
My exchange experiences between Lancaster University and Agrarian University of La Molina made me more capable to set up experiments in both controlled environment conditions and field conditions and handling physiological equipment. They also made me to feel more confident of who I want to be in the future and what I need to do to achieve my professional and personal goals.
