HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -Wisconsin Fast Plants is the registered trademark for a cultivar of Brassica rapa, developed as a rapid life-cycle model organism for research and teaching. Wisconsin Fast Plants are a member of the Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae) family, closely related to the turnip and bok choy.

Detailed explanation-2: -Fast Plants® were developed by Professor Emeritus Paul H. Williams, in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Detailed explanation-3: -Fast Plants are a rapid-cycling form of the species Brassica rapa, a member of the mustard or cabbage family Cruciferae. Fast Plants and other members of this family are distinguished by characteristic flowers with four petals in the form of a cross or crucifix.

Detailed explanation-4: -Fast Plants are classified as “dicot” plants; they typically have 2 cotyledons. Developing more than 2 cotyledons is a relatively rare trait.

Detailed explanation-5: -Rapid cycling Brassica rapa, also known by the trademarked name Wisconsin Fast Plants, are an ideal organism for instruction. They complete their life cycle in 35–45 d (Williams and Hill, 1986) and grow at room temperature in potting soil fertilized with commonly available house plant fertilizer.