Period: 1–15 November 2025
Days of Participation: 9
Affiliation: CUBE (Collaboratively Understanding Biology Education), Kishore Bharati
Overview
During the first half of November 2025, CUBE ChatShaala sessions centered around Mango Flowering Mapping, especially linked to the IISER Tirupati poster program.
Additional discussions included genetic engineering of Cardamine and Fruit Fly (Drosophila) culture. My 9-day participation supported collaborative observations and comparative flowering analysis across regions.
Topics Discussed
1. Mango Flowering Mapping (Primary Focus)
- Shared observations on panicle emergence and bud swelling.
- Compared patterns across Southern, Western, and Northern India.
- Discussed environmental triggers influencing floral induction.
- Analysed community photographs for bud-stage identification.
- Connected findings with citizen science and IISER Tirupati poster discussions.
2. Genetic Engineering of Cardamine
- Explored gene flow, manipulation, and phenotypic effects.
- Related molecular techniques to small model plants.
3. Fruit Fly (Drosophila) Culture
- Reviewed culture maintenance, breeding conditions, and developmental stages.
TINKE Moments (Things I Never Knew Earlier )
- Realizing flowering timelines differ widely across India.
- Night temperature drop can initiate hormonal changes for flowering.
- Same mango variety may flower differently in different microclimates.
- Citizen science observations can map phenology with research-level detail.
Learning Outcomes - Strengthened understanding of phenological mapping and climate–plant interactions.
- Improved skills in data interpretation and cross-region comparison.
- Enhanced knowledge of genetic engineering fundamentals.
- Gained practice interpreting biological visual data.
- Fostered collaborative learning through peer discussions.
Community Queries Raised
- Why does flowering begin earlier in southern regions?
- How do rainfall patterns influence vegetative flush and floral induction?
- Can bud-stage mapping help predict flowering timelines?
- Do genetic differences cause variation in flowering times?
- How do microclimate factors influence flowering rhythm?
Explanation for Absence (6 Days Missed)
Absence was due to mandatory online classes and preparation for end-semester
examinations. Arrangements During Absence
- Kept in touch with peers for session summaries.
- Reviewed discussions afterward to maintain continuity.
- Rejoined sessions promptly when available.
Conclusion
Between 1st and 15th November 2025, I participated in 9 days of meaningful ChatShaala
discussions focusing primarily on mango flowering mapping. Despite academic-related
absences, I maintained continuity and upheld the spirit of collaborative inquiry central to
CUBE.
Submitted by:
M S Sailekshmi
CUBE Member & ChatShaala Coordinator
Date: 29 November 2025