Cloning Takes Root at WCHS

By: Bianca Ficklin (WCHS Student)
The Warren County High School chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA) is on the cutting edge of agriculture science. They've done a remarkable job of using biotechnology to clone plants for the past four years.

Cloning is accomplished by taking a cutting from a plant, placing it in a medium and forcing it to root on its own with the help of rooting hormones. The cloning program began at WCHS with African Violets and quickly expanded to include Venus Fly Traps, Boston Ferns, Hosta, Miniature Roses, carrots, and others.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) helped jump start the program by providing a grant to buy the equipment needed for the program. Dr. Curtis Borne, a professor with Fort Valley State University, provided samples of parent plants, supplies like rooting hormone, and lab equipment such as microscopes, test tubes, and heating domes.

The cloning and biotechnology program at Warren County High has a high success rate with the help of participating FFA members and sponsor Jesse Dawson. Many of the plants are sold in the spring during the annual greenhouse sale to help fund FFA projects throughout the year.