The FIU Biology Department research greenhouse is an important facility that we have been taking for granted. As FIU grows, so do the demands to use this space for growing plants and conducting experiments. It is time to set some priorities for use of research space, and policies for conducting experiments in this facility.
All users must fill out a form indicating the responsible authority, who to contact, and projected length of usage, and provide the greenhouse committee with an outline of their research project, including proposed growing plans and precise experimental protocol. The committee will consider whether the research is appropriate for this facility, considering space requirements, chemical use, and safety considerations.
Current users must provide the greenhouse committee with the above information within two weeks of the institution of this policy. The committee will do its best to consider all applications for use within two weeks. New space will be allotted as it comes available.
All projects must be labeled with the name of the investigator and contact information. If any pesticides, nutrients (above regular liquid fertilizer), or chemicals are applied, an additional sign is required with an explanation of what is being applied, at what levels, and how frequently it is applied. A notebook with outlines of all projects being conducted will be kept in the growth chamber room for the reference of all greenhouse users. This will be a source for answering any questions about what others are doing, in greater detail than a sign can convey.
Each user must tend their own plants, and do their best to keep them pest-free. The greenhouse manager can be consulted for help in this matter, and will advise users if plants need pest control, but it is each project manager’s responsibility to keep on top of any pest problems on their plants. Neglected plants harbor scale insects and other problem pests that infest all the plants in the greenhouse, interfering with other research projects. Neglected plants will be cited (the project manager will be notified) and removed from the greenhouse if not tended properly.
Retired plants must be disposed of properly, and used pots cleaned and returned to the potting shed (head house) shelves. Clorox dip is recommended if there have been any pathogen problems. Pots and other equipment contaiminated with heavy metals or other toxic compounds must be clearly marked so that others will not casually re-use these materials, to the detriment of future projects. Such materials must be cleaned or disposed of properly in a timely fashion. Users should consult with the greenhouse manager as to the proper procedures for cleaning and disposal.
Each PI is responsible for the care of their plants. In general, resarchers are responsible for watering and other routine care, but the greenhouse manager can water if requested, and researchers can consult the manager to make arrangements for care during breaks or other periods of absence. It is expected that every PI will arrange for timely exodus and cleanup of the greenhouse space used when the project is completed. Extensions for more time than planned must be requested and will be considered by the committee in light of other space needs.
It is the responsibility of the PI of each project to insure that all project personnel conduct themselves appropriately in the greenhouse, taking care not to disturb any other plants and projects in the greenhouse. Specifically, this means that no one should touch, disturb, water, fertilize, or apply anything to anyone else’s plants, unless specifically requested to do so (e.g., to water while someone is away, etc.). Care must be taken to instruct all project helpers to pull the hose carefully to where it is needed, then turn it on, and use it only on the plants intended. Broadcast spraying of water (resulting from watering at a distance) is very disruptive to many of the experiments conducted in the greenhouse. Careless spraying of even plain water can ruin experiments on drying for different periods of time, and water on flowers can destroy hand-pollinations that take hours to accomplish. Offenders will be reported to the responsible PI, and multiple transgressions may lead to the eviction of offending projects from the greenhouse.
It is time to assume that all greenhouse users will pay bench fees to keep plants in the FIU greenhouse. Even though the greenhouse is a self-maintained facility, the space is protected from the environment and vandalism, and arrangements can be made for minimal care such as watering and general pest control. We therefore request that all users budget for greenhouse use fees in all future research proposals, and pay the fees if current funding permits.
Greenhouse space rates will be $.28 per square foot per month (therefore the largest benches will be ca. $20 / month). Floor space will also be charged at rates similar to benches. Growth chamber rates will be $1.50 per square foot [or otherwise as negotiated, considering ownership and costs for necessary repairs]. Graduate students and others may request a waiver of the fees, especially if their research is not funded or just getting underway. Fees will be assessed starting April 2004, (and will also be quoted from January 2004, so that those that want to contribute a little more to the greenhouse operations may do so) and will be billed to each investigator, in the form of requisitions prepared by the greenhouse manager to each PI. Each investigator will sign and indicate the account number, returning the requisition to the Biology Department business manager.
Suzanne Koptur, Chair of the Greenhouse Committee
9 March 2004