Mission:

Serves teaching and research. The teaching collection is typically open for public visitation Monday thru Thursday 8 AM until 3:30 PM and Friday 8AM until 1 PM.

Research areas are accessible to authorized personnel only. The 6,250 square foot structure provides 4,760 square foot of growing area.

Facility Description:

Each individual unit is equipped with the following.

Heating:

Primary heat is supplied by a ceiling mounted, forced air, steam unit. Perimeter passive fin tube deliveries supplemental heat to temper the chilling effect of exterior walls. Heating systems are independently controlled.

Cooling:

Regulated by a thermostatically controlled 2 stage system. Stage one activates one evaporative cooler and opens 1 ridge vent. Stage two engages a second evaporative unit. At stage two one air exchange occurs in 1 ½ minutes.

Air Circulation:

Variable speed, horizontal air flow fans circulate air to achieve uniform room temperatures.

Work Lighting:

Four incandescent lamps can be manually switched or controlled by a 24 hour time clock.

Supplemental Growth Lighting:

Up to 10 120 volt 1000 Watt Metal Halide or high pressure sodium lamps are automatically controlled by one time clock. Two 30 Amp circuits service 10 lamps. Multiple cycles are possible for one lighting regime.

Shading:

Open weave, reflective aluminum cloth provides 60% shading of the roof. The cloth is engaged by a motorized system. Gable end walls can also be shaded.

Electrical service:

One 20 Amp 110 volt circuit provides power to four receptacles. Service outlets are located in the corners of the room.

Drainage:

Concrete floors are sloped for drainage to outside gable end walls.

Covering:

The structure is covered with Exolite, an acrylic material.

Transgenic Approved Areas:

Two rooms are licensed for the growth of transgenic plants.

Staff:

The greenhouse is serviced by one full time technician and 1 part time assistant

and managed by the greenhouse committee appointed by the Head of the Dept. of Biology

Services:

Orientation:

All new users, faculty and students are encouraged to request a tour to become familiar with the facility and operation.

Plant Maintenance:

The greenhouse technician provides for the daily care of plants. Irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease control recommendations and operations are performed by the greenhouse technician.

General Facility Cleanliness:

The greenhouse staff will assist with maintaining the greenhouse in a clean and organized condition.

Deliveries:

Horticultural supplies can be accepted at the greenhouse with prior notification. Orders shipped without notifying the greenhouse staff may not be able to be accepted at the greenhouse due to potential absence of staff. Supplies delivered to the greenhouse intended for use alsewhere must be picked up promptly by the user.

Waste Disposal:

Assistance with proper handling and disposal of greenhouse waste, including plant supplies and material from transgenic rooms.

Storage:

Limited space is available in designated assigned areas in the hallway and basement.

Environmental monitoring:

By request temperature and light measurements can be monitored and recorded.

Supplies:

Small quantities of recycled growing containers etc are stored and available for general use. Some supplies are provided for small scale projects. Researchers acquire and supply materials such as pots, soil, labels etc.

Fertilizer:

A wide range of fertilizers and nutritional supplements are provided for general use.

Pesticides / fungicides: All restricted and non restricted use pesticide and disease control products are purchased, dispensed and applied only by the greenhouse staff.

Facility Use:

Greenhouse space is allocated by the greenhouse committee.

Pesticide Safety Training: Is required for all greenhouse workers within 3 working days of employment. By definition a greenhouse worker is any person who is receiving compensation and working with plants in a greenhouse. Training is to be provided by a licensed pesticide applicator. Training is the responsibility of the employer. The Greenhouse Technician will provide programs by request. Typically, the Greenhouse Technician will offer one or more training sessions near the beginning of each semester.

Integrated Pest Management Program

IPM Non Chemical Considerations

• Use of non-chemical control methods for prevention and control are considered the first line of defense.

• All greenhouse users have access to the IPM program

• Greenhouse users are expected to follow IPM guidelines

• Recycled / used supplies will be washed prior to storage

• Use only new or properly cleaned supplies

• All plants are subject to some form of control method, not necessarily chemical

• Routine monitoring of pest and disease populations

• Use of disposable trap plants

• Infested material will be handled in the room where it was grown, placed in bag, tied closed for containment prior to transport or disposal

• Doors are to be closed at all times to prevent the migration of pests

• Soil: use pest, disease free soil.

• Use only pasteurized, autoclaved or commercially prepared soil

• Notify greenhouse staff when knowingly introducing infected or infested plants to the greenhouse

• Introducing infested material is discouraged

• Washing or syringing of plants can be effective in some situations

• Disposal is a consideration for severely infested plants

• Growing areas are to be maintained in a clean and orderly manner

• Hose ends and attachments are to be kept off the floor

• Environmental control considered for prevention of disease

• Soil is stored dry, in closed or covered containers

• Use biological organisms and insect growth regulator materials when compatible

• Consider economic threshold, or damage potential, to determine if chemical applications are warranted

• Consider host, insect susceptibility for teaching plant collection specimens

• Research areas are accessible to authorized personnel only

• When possible disposal of severely infested plants

• Prompt harvest and dispose of plants and soil as projects are completed

IPM Chemical Methods and Operations

• All restricted use and non restricted use pesticides are handled and applied by licensed pesticide applicators only

• Routine evaluation of treatments to avoid continued use of ineffective materials

• Accurate identification of pest and disease prior to treatment

• Use of pre plant, soil incorporated and systemic materials for prevention and protection

• Rotation of chemical class to avoid resistance

• Prompt applications as required to control pest populations and minimize application frequencies

• Use of target specific materials, avoid use of broad spectrum materials

• Use of Danger class materials only when necessary