Methods:

Seed potatoes were initially intended, but were unavailable, so grocery-bought potatoes

were used instead. A total of 24 potatoes were purchased (6 genetically modified

Yukons(​Solanum Tuberosum​), 6 genetically modified Russets(​Solanum Tuberosum​), 6 organic

Yukons, 6 organic Russets). A set of 4 wooden grow boxes with drainage holes in the bottom

were also purchased at Pike Nurseries, with each box having dimensions of 4 feet by 4 feet. In

addition, a 2- liter plastic watering can and 3 bags of Pike Nurseries soil were also purchased.

The total cost for resources was $400 dollars. The potatoes were kept for a week indoors at

room temperature in plastic bags, in order to spud. After which, they were divided into sets of

three, based on modification status and spud growth. These potatoes were sliced in half, with the

spudded section being selected.

On December 20, 2017, in The Galloway School greenhouse, the set of 12 potatoes were

planted, with 3 genetically modified Russets, 3 genetically modified Yukons, 3 organic Russets,

and 3 organic Yukons. Each group of three was placed within its individual grow box, with 12

inches of space in between each potato, spuds on top. The potatoes were then covered with a 5

inch layer of Pike Nurseries soil. An extra bag of soil was saved. After which, each grow box

was watered with 2 liters. These were subsequently watered weekly, at 2 liters per grow box,and

observed bi-weekly. In each observation, visible signs of growth, as indicated by sprouting. In

the event of significant growth, in addition to watering, additional fresh soil from the saved bag

was placed atop the sprouting potato to stimulate growth. Any dead potatoes were immediately

photographed and removed from the grow box upon discovery, and any contaminated soil went

with them. After removal, the dead potatoes were placed within the compost, save for one, which
was isolated by the experimenter for future analysis. Any surviving potatoes at the experiment’s

end would be measured, and then utilized as artifacts for The Galloway School Science Fair to

be held on April 18, 2018.