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Taking Advantage of UC Davis Cuttings

As I understand it, UC Davis cuttings are intended for distribution to researchers who will use the cuttings for research. I consider myself an honest person (most of the time) and would rather not take advantage of this program if it means having to misrepresent myself. I can afford to buy cuttings elsewhere, but as a California tax payer, I would like to (for once) receive some benefits if I am entitled.
 
So, I tend to grow things a little bit unconventionally. When I hear that I should not do something, I like to do it anyway, just to see how and why it might fail, or what I might be able to do to get around the cause of failure. If I have five of the same plant or tree, I will plant one in ideal conditions, another one in an area that gets no irrigation, another one with poor sunlight, another irrigated with salinated water from my well, etc. I also practice some permaculture techniques - with varying results. I keep track of what worked and what didn't, and then try to find ways to improve. I then share my experiences in this and other forums as well as local groups such as the CRFG.
 
As far as UC Davis is concerned, would that sort of trial and error experimentation be considered research?
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Hi Neighbor! (I'm right up in Temecula!)
Well having no previous UCD ordering experience I'll tell you what my included "research statement" said:
Honestly, my kids and I are outdoors types who love gardening, hiking, camping, fishing, and we LOVE fig trees! We've had success rooting figs from cuttings in the past and we have a small but growing collection in our backyard. Any cuttings we receive from UCD will go to a loving, nurturing home!" Something like that - so we'll see if tugging on the ol' heartstrings a bit works, because just like you, I have no clue how far back in the "line" behind REAL researchers we are.
It sounds like your plant abuse (I mean, research!) will get some interest :)
Good luck and Happy Figging!
- Dave & Fam
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Originally Posted by cyberfarmer
As I understand it, UC Davis cuttings are intended for distribution to researchers who will use the cuttings for research. I consider myself an honest person (most of the time) and would rather not take advantage of this program if it means having to misrepresent myself. I can afford to buy cuttings elsewhere, but as a California tax payer, I would like to (for once) receive some benefits if I am entitled.
 
So, I tend to grow things a little bit unconventionally. When I hear that I should not do something, I like to do it anyway, just to see how and why it might fail, or what I might be able to do to get around the cause of failure. If I have five of the same plant or tree, I will plant one in ideal conditions, another one in an area that gets no irrigation, another one with poor sunlight, another irrigated with salinated water from my well, etc. I also practice some permaculture techniques - with varying results. I keep track of what worked and what didn't, and then try to find ways to improve. I then share my experiences in this and other forums as well as local groups such as the CRFG.
 
As far as UC Davis is concerned, would that sort of trial and error experimentation be considered research?


None of the California taxes you pay goes to the United States Department of Agriculture at Davis. It is not part of the school. It is funded by the federal taxes we all pay. As far as research statement: "Suitability For Area" was what I stated last year. I received the cuttings and did just as I stated.
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Paul,
You are not far from the Jon'n residence. Have you visited him? You may find you do not need cuttings from UCD since you can get 1 gal figs for a very decent price!
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By the way: Today is the last day one can request cuttings for this year.

Jake
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Originally Posted by greenfig
Paul, You are not far from the Jon'n residence. Have you visited him? You may find you do not need cuttings from UCD since you can get 1 gal figs for a very decent price!


No, I haven't been to visit Jon YET. He doesn't have much available right now, but I do intend to visit him come spring for figs, bananas, pitanga & more! That being said, I have enjoyed my experience propagating cuttings so far and would like to go further. I know Jon is a popular guy and I don't know if he will have the cuttings I want when the time comes.
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I've not ordered from UCD, but has anyone who requested cuttings from them ever been refused totally? Certainly those who handle and send out the cuttings must know most go to backyard growers or small farmers. They may give priority to those who do actual research on figs, but that can't be many. Besides those few, I would guess they are happy to distribute as many cuttings to as many people as time and money allow.
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Originally Posted by jake
By the way: Today is the last day one can request cuttings for this year.

Jake


I thought it was December 1st? At any rate, I have already submitted an order and I gave them the same explanation of my "research" as I did here. I was just wondering what my chances are of receiving cuttings, wondering how others are going about it, and getting a feel for the ethical standpoint of using this resource. I think it is great that this resource is available to the public and don't want to risk future availability by abusing it.
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Great topic Paul,
One thing I have been wondering about is, they ask for a report once your research is complete, has anyone submitted a report? How do you go about doing that?
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If you really want to consider research, take note of their vigour, colour of leaves, when they break dormancy, how many days above 50 degrees etc to break dormancy, age of first appearance of figs, time of appearance each year, when the leaves fall off, susceptibility to frost, rain, humidity, souring.  The list can go on, but if you take notes of the traits you are interested in to make it suitable for your climate and send them in to them you could technically consider it research for home gardeners which could help make recommendations for other home growers.  Just my opinion.
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Originally Posted by Chivas
If you really want to consider research, take note of their vigour, colour of leaves, when they break dormancy, how many days above 50 degrees etc to break dormancy, age of first appearance of figs, time of appearance each year, when the leaves fall off, susceptibility to frost, rain, humidity, souring.  The list can go on, but if you take notes of the traits you are interested in to make it suitable for your climate and send them in to them you could technically consider it research for home gardeners which could help make recommendations for other home growers.  Just my opinion.


1) Time for me to get a logging weather station

2) Time for me to write an app for keeping track of my plants and trees
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Paul,

I did some logging of the pot temps some time back:
http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/measuring-the-soil-temp-in-the-pots-6480114

If you build your own, please post a list of parts. It is very easy to assemble one, given the time.

Also, I wrote a simple script to poll several local weather stations, I found this approach easier than to buy my station,I could collect more higher quality data (wind, humidity, temp, etc)
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2) Time for me to write an app for keeping track of my plants and trees 


I have been considering doing just that, google drive only goes so far. If you are serious, I'll sling some code.
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