Citizen Scientist

Māla’ai became part of a Citizen Science project during the spring and has continued into the summer. Our garden leader Holly, along with students from the after school program, have been learning about variety trials and proper seed saving techniques so that we and our island can become more resilient starting from the seed! This project named, Seeds of Honua, is a partnership with the Hawaii Seed Growers Network and UH CTAHR Cooperative Extension Services. Many citizen scientists, including youth, across the state are in the cohort. The objective is to grow and evaluate new seed varieties for Hawaii’s gardens. There are two plants we are testing: Pigeon Peas and a hybrid tomato. The Pigeon Peas are being tested for vitality and taste. In the hybrid tomato trials we are testing for taste, color and pest resistance. We will save the seeds of the best plants and these will be grown out again. After several generations a new, true variety will be created for Hawaiʻi!! This is exciting work and offers our students an incredible opportunity to learn first hand about genetic diversity, adaptation, seed trials and seed saving.

Pigeon pea seeds from the Hawaii Seed Growers Network website