HUDSONALPHA GREENHOUSE AND LEARNING LABS
Unique Greenhouse Features
TWO ONSITE LABS An important component of the greenhouse is two on-site molecular labs, which Harkess said are rare. “This sets our greenhouse apart from the rest. With lab space in the greenhouse, we can spend much more time closer to our plants.” Harkess said. “Here, we embrace the philosophy of the more time you spend with your organism of study, the more you discover.” HudsonAlpha Faculty Investigator Josh Clevenger, PhD , added, “Having lab space in the same facility as your plants allows you to do anything you can dream of doing. It means having no limitations.” SEED STORAGE VAULT Adding to the list of technically advanced features in the greenhouse is a long-term seed storage vault. The Plant Center team works closely with preserved seeds that hold valuable genetic information about the plant’s history. These seeds must be stored in specific conditions to protect their viability. The greenhouse is equipped with a temperature- and humidity-controlled room for safely
storing seeds for up to ten years. Many other greenhouses use large fridges or freezers, which can ruin an entire sup- ply of genetic information if a malfunction occurs. Hudson- Alpha’s seed storage uses special controls and a complex alarm mechanism that alerts the team of any changes in temperature or humidity.
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