Department of BiologyOverview
The Phytotron provides all services necessary to conduct many types of controlled environment experiments, from the simplest to the most complex. The Phytotron staff performs all preparation, configuration, and maintenance of the growth chambers or greenhouse units, and any routine plant care requested, including watering fertilization, and pest control. Routine daily plant care including pest control is included in the space rental fee. The Phytotron is staffed seven days a week, allowing off-site researchers to run experiments without having to make extended visits. Chambers and greenhouses are continuously monitored and maintained. Staff members are on call 24 hours a day to respond to environmental control problems before they adversely affect experiments in progress. Expertise in electronics and instrumentation is available for routine instrument maintenance or developing equipment for specialized uses. The Phytotron staff has extensive experience growing many species of native and agricultural from different habitats. Phytotron horticulturists are available to provide advice concerning plant cultivation issues.
Contact Us
Greg Piotrowski
Phytotron Manager
(919) 699-8870
gp48@duke.edu
Amy Eddings
Horticulturist
(919) 660-7420
Ae62@duke.edu
Supplies & Equipment
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Supplies A supply of commonly used horticultural supplies, including various artificial soil mixes, containers, and labels, are kept in stock. We can order any additional necessary supplies. All supplies are charged at our wholesale cost to the respective fund code. Please check with Phytotron staff concerning supply needs. Researchers may provide their own supplies subject to Phytotron approval. |
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Equipment This is a noninclusive list of equipment available for Phytotron users. Check with the Phytotron staff for more information. Before using any of the workshop equipment users must receive shop safety training. Contact Todd Smith <tghsmith@duke.edu> for shop safety training. |
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Glasshouses The Phytotron has six completely closed greenhouse units that can be tightly controlled for temperature and CO2. These units are skinned with large panes of low-iron glass for maximum light transmittance. Refer to the table for specific information on the size and capabilities of these chambers. |
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R Chambers "R" chambers are small reach-in chambers, eight of which have been modified to provide high light intensities. Refer to the table for specific information on the size and capabilities of these chambers. |
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S Chambers "S" chambers are walk-in chambers with high light and humidity control. Refer to the table for specific information on the size and capabilities of these chambers. |
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T Chambers "T" chambers are large walk-in chambers with high light, humidity control, and extra growth height. By installing a removable wall, each of these chambers can be divided into two independent sub-chambers, so they can be sized based on the user's needs. Refer to the table for specific information on the size and capabilities of these chambers. |
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L Chambers "L" chambers have the largest area of all chambers in the Phytotron (8.9 square meters). The functional lifespan of the original "L" Chamber fluorescent light caps has passed, and the light caps are no longer operable. Portable multi-shelf fluorescent lamp rack lighting is now used in the "L" Chambers. This rack lighting system is especially suitable for Arabidopsis cultivation. We are studying the feasibility of retrofitting "L" chambers with LED lighting. |
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