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Department of Biological Sciences Greenhouse Use Policy

Greenhouse and Environmental Space Allocation

1. A greenhouse request form ( online form ) is to be filled out and returned to the Greenhouse Manager. A copy of this will be laminatedand placed on the research room and or on chamber being used by theresearcher.
2. Greenhouse and or chamber space will be allocated for the specific time period required by the project. No greenhouse space will be allocated for indefinite periods and will not be expanded without consulting with the manager.
3. Priority will be given to the needs of the faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences. Non-departmental user needs will be met as the facilities permit. Every effort will be made to provide space to all those who need it.
4. Greenhouse users conducting grant-supported research will be expected to include voluntary space and supply charges in their grant requests. Reasonable supplies of pots, soils, fertilizers and pesticides are kept on hand for research needs. A requirement for large quantities or specialized containers and equipment will have to be purchased by the researcher.

Use of the Plant Collections and Plants for Labs

1. Visitors and Tours are welcome in the Conservatory. All groups (classes, tours etc.) should be scheduled at least 1 week in advance
2. The use of plant material from the plant collections needs to be approved in advance. Plants used in labs are to be checked out by the T.A. See Greenhouse Manager 2-3 days prior to the Lab.
3. Plant material to be grown for classroom use is to be requested with an adequate lead-in time. Generally 6 weeks prior to the date the material is needed. The Instructor or prep T.A. should meet with Greenhouse Manager to review syllabus to pin point dates prior to the beginning of the semester. Classes will be charged for supplies and monies will need to be moved from lab fees into the greenhouse fund prior to the end of the semester.

General Sanitation Procedures

1. Use clean containers and tools. There is a reasonable supply of clean pots in the head-house. There is also soil in the hallway for research use.
2. Put dirty containers and tools next to the sink in the head-house. If time permits please wash them. Do not re-use items until they have been washed.
3. Wash your hands prior to working with research plants.
4. Keep the media in the soil bins filled for the next individual. Do not re-use spilled soil that accumulates on the floor after re-potting.
5. Keep all hose ends, water breakers, mist nozzle hung up and off the floor.
6. All greenhouse benches, floors, and bin covers are to be kept clean.
7. All new plant material introduced into the greenhouse needs to be placed in the head-house for a pest / disease inspection. Infected plants will be treated prior to going into the greenhouse.
8. Report all pest and disease problems immediately to the Greenhouse Manager
9. Greenhouse growing areas are not storage areas for pots, flats or other cultural supplies. Avoid storing these items on or under benches. Any clutter left will be removed.
10. Dispose plant material in the large plastic containers. We do not compost due to space constraints so all materials that are to be
    disposed can go in these containers. Transgenic plants are to be placedin orange biohazard bags available in the head-house and then taken to cathy Foune in Heinicke Hall to be autoclaved.
    

Staff Supplied Services

1. Assistance with design, setup, and configuration of environmental conditions. Planting and transplanting. Maintenance of greenhouse projects until completion.
2. Provision of proper quantities of supplies for greenhouse projects.
3. Watering. Including weekends and holidays.
4. Disease and pest control programs developed to meet the specific needs of the experiment.
5. Growing plant material for class and research use.
6. Assistance with the acquisition of seeds and plant material for greenhouse projects.

Responsibilities of Greenhouse Users

1. Carry out all experimental treatments and take all experimental measurements.
2. Keep research zone or chamber clean. This includes but is not limited to sweeping, keeping plants properly pruned, removal and disposal of dead plant material.
3. Wash all pots, materials, tools and equipment used.
4. Harvest all plant materials in a timely fashion. Plant material should be disposed of immediately following the project. Plants left will be disposed of.