Iowa State University
Department of Agronomy
Growth Chamber Operating Procedures Manual
The purpose of the Iowa State University Department of Agronomy Growth Chambers are to support
basic and applied plant research through a controlled environment for research and teaching. There
are 30 Growth Chambers available for use, totaling approximately 880 square feet. These chambers
can provide specific light or temperature regimens that may not be possible in the greenhouse. 28 of
the 30 chambers are located in Agronomy Hall and the remaining 2 are located at the Agronomy
Greenhouse. The purpose of this manual is to outline the policies and responsibilities for all users and
staff of the growth chambers.
Any questions regarding the use of the Agronomy Department Growth Chambers, requests for space,
or equipment maintenance are to be directed to:
Aaron Brand
Greenhouse Manager
2104H Agronomy Hall
515-294-6904
abrand@iastate.edu
Greenhouse, Growth Chamber, and Cold Storage Committee
Aaron Brand – Chair
Madhi Al-Kaisi
Madan Bhattacharyya
USCHi Frei
Larry Lockhart
Kan Wang
Table of Contents
pg. 1
1. General Information
Hours of Operation
Safety
Signature Page
2. Space Allocation
3. User Responsibilities
Identification
Scouting/Pest Control
User Pesticide Applications
Cleaning and Sanitation
Plant Material
Trash
Restrictions
4. Greenhouse Manger Responsibilities
Monitoring and Maintenance
Environmental Controls
Implementation of IPM/Pesticide Application
Record-keeping
5. Growth Chamber Descriptions
6. Fee Schedule
7. Signature Page
8. Growth Chamber Space Request Form
pg. 3
pg. 4
pg. 5 - 6
pg. 7
pg. 8 - 9
pg. 10
pg. 11
pg. 12 - 13
General Information
pg. 2
Hours of Operation
Normal hours of operation for the Agronomy Department’s Growth Chambers (herein referred to as
the Growth Chambers are 7:00 AM – 6:-00 PM Monday through Friday, which are the same as
Agronomy Hall’s hours. Any other time is considered “after hours.” Entry into Agronomy Hall during
after hours times, University holidays, and any other days that the University is closed requires the use
of a key or access via proxy card (generally the user’s ISU Card). All users wishing to enter Agronomy
Hall outside of the regular hours must fill out a key request form and have it approved by their
supervising faculty member and then the application must be submitted to the department’s key
coordinator. For security purposes, keys are only to be in the possession of the person to which they
are assigned. Entry into the growth chambers is available at all hours to users with a key to Agronomy
Hall.
Safety
Working in the Growth Chambers requires that all users be committed to safety and work so that the
health of all users is not endangered.
ALL greenhouse users must attend a mandatory safety training session. This session goes over the
EPA’s Worker Protection Standard (WPS), which is a regulation aimed at reducing the risk of pesticide
poisoning of agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. The WPS contains requirements for pesticide
safety training, notification of pesticide applications, use of personal protective equipment, restrictedentry intervals after pesticide applications, and emergency medical assistance. The WPS training
consists of watching a video presentation or a live presentation and filling out the proper paperwork
stating that the user has completed the WPS training. WPS training is effective for 5 years. WPS
training is federally mandated to be completed within 5 days of the beginning of working in an
environment where pesticides or their residues may be present. This training can either be done with
the Greenhouse Manager or through EH&S. If the WPS training has been completed through EH&S,
proof of the completion of this program must be provided for the Greenhouse Manager.
Signature Page
All users must complete the signature page before being assigned space in the greenhouse. See pg. 11.
Space Allocation
pg. 3
All requests for space must be made using a Growth Chamber Request Form as far in advance as
possible. Completed forms should be returned to the Greenhouse Manager. All Growth Chamber
Request forms must be fully completed to be considered. All requests will be filled on a first come first
served basis so incomplete forms may delay your space assignment.
Note: Demand for space in the Growth Chambers is typically very high. We may not be able to
accommodate all requests for several weeks or more. Submit your Growth Chamber Request forms
as soon as possible.
No space will be allocated indefinitely. All projects must have a proposed end date. Please allow time
in your requests for proper cleaning and sanitizing of the chamber. Long term users must renew their
space requests every six (6) months. The Greenhouse Manager must be notified of any breaks in use
from long term users. If the break is long enough for other users to start and finish their work, this
space will be reallocated for the length of time necessary and returned to the long term user upon
completion of the other project.
Project extensions can be requested at least one week before the proposed end date. Extensions are
for one week increments and cannot be made indefinitely. If other users are waiting for the space,
after two (2) extensions have been requested the current user may be asked to justify their extension.
If seed was late or there is any other supplier issue please notify the Greenhouse Manager as soon as
possible, as it will be easier to make changes to the schedule at the beginning. The Greenhouse
Manager will track end dates and will send out reminders via email. If an extension is necessary, please
respond to the reminder email or contact the Greenhouse Manager in advance.
A growth chamber may be held in reserve for a maximum of two (2) weeks prior to the beginning of
the user’s project to allow them time to assemble necessary equipment and supplies. Space will be
billed to a project for the entire time space is held in reserve or in use.
Research projects being conducted by Agronomy Department students and their research groups will
take precedence over outside users.
Unused Space
Space that is assigned but not actively used for a period longer than 2 weeks will be subject to
reassignment. Any time that a user knows that the chamber will be idle for longer than 2 weeks will
require the communication of a reasonable schedule of usage to the greenhouse manager or the
chamber may be reassigned if there is a waiting list. When a chamber is reassigned the former user will
be notified by email that it has been reassigned and is no longer in their inventory. A reassigned
chamber will require a new reservation form to be completed to begin using that space again and be
added to the waiting list.
User Responsibilities
Identification
pg. 4
Identification cards are to be filled out prior to occupation of the growth chambers and submitted to
the Greenhouse Manager. These cards must identify the Principal Investigator (PI) and any other users
of the space. Included on these cards will be emergency contact information. Ultimately the PI is
responsible for their research projects.
Scouting/Pest Control
Monitoring of insects and diseases is to be conducted by the user weekly. Insect infestations must be
reported to the Greenhouse Manager in a timely manner for proper control. Every effort will be made
to make all chemical applications within 48 hours of notification, unless notification is made going into
a weekend, at which time the application will be made on the first day of the next week. All chemical
applications will be made after 3:00 PM and the identified users will be notified of applications in their
growth chambers and when re-entry will be allowed via email no later than the afternoon prior to the
application, unless it is requested that the application be made the same day. It is the responsibility of
the user to have all daily work completed by 3:00 PM.
Shelving
Wire shelves are provided for all growth chambers. All plant material should be placed on the shelves
to allow for proper air flow through the chamber. All heating, cooling, and air circulation comes from
the floor and if it is blocked the chamber will not function properly.
User Pesticide Applications
All pesticide applicators must abide by all Federal and State laws. Wear Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) and properly disposal of empty containers per the label instructions. Any pesticides being applied
by a user must be pre-approved by the Greenhouse Manager, be applied by a WPS trained handler, be
properly documented in accordance with Federal and State Law, and posted in G544 on the clipboard
outside of Room G544A. No one will be allowed to apply pesticides without the proper training. Prior
to approval of pesticide application proof of current WPS training will need to be provided for the
Greenhouse Manager
All pesticides must be secured in a locked room or locked storage cabinet when not in use, per Federal
and State regulations. Pesticides not provided by the Greenhouse Manager will need to be identified
with the user’s name in indelible ink, such as a permanent marker for easy identification. Chemicals
not properly stored and identified will be confiscated and be available by request only.
Failure to comply with Federal and State laws and/or the procedures above will have the following
consequences:
 First offense: Written warning to user and the faculty member responsible
 Second offense: Written warning and $100 fine
 Third offense: Written notification, $250 fine, and termination of growth chamber access for
the PI
pg. 5
Cleaning and Sanitation
Please clean up any soil or plant material on the tables, floor, and in chambers. A broom and dust pans
are provided for cleaning up. Keep all hose ends off of the floor when not in use. Hoses must be kept
tidy so that they avoid becoming trip hazards. All water spigots must be turned off when not in use.
All users are to keep their chambers clean and organized on a daily basis. Do not store unneeded
equipment or materials in a chamber because they provide possible shelter for insect and disease
organisms. If such storage is observed the user will be contacted to justify the necessity of the items. If
no use is identified the user will be given one (1) week to remove the items or the greenhouse staff will
remove the items and a $250 cleaning fee will be assessed.
Cleaning and disinfecting of growth chambers should be done by the user that is vacating the chamber.
This is to minimize any buildup of organic matter that may house insect or disease pests in the
chamber or clog the floor drain. It is recommended that long term users do this sanitation periodically
as well. This should be done by sweeping up and disposing of any debris left on the floors, washing out
the chamber with water, and then sanitizing the floors, benches, and walls. This can be done with a
10% bleach solution or other disinfectant, which will be supplied by the Greenhouse Manager upon
request. Failure to clean and sanitize the compartment will result in a $250 cleaning fee being
assessed.
Upon completion of the project, the user is expected to remove all equipment and materials by the
stated project end date. If all items are not removed in that time period the greenhouse staff will
remove the items and charge the user a $250 cleaning fee plus a $10 per day storage fee for stored
items. If a compartment is cleaned out by the greenhouse staff the user will be notified via email
immediately and will be allowed to retrieve stored items by appointment. If stored items are left for
more than 30 days the user will be charged a total of $300 in storage fees and the items will be
discarded. The Greenhouse Manager and Agronomy Department will not be responsible for damage to
any equipment that is not removed by the user.
Plant Material
Any plant material that is no longer needed for projects should be discarded immediately. Discarded
plant materials should be disposed of in the trash cans labeled for compost. Any plant material that is
genetically modified, or in other ways restricted, must be devitalized or destroyed before disposal, as
per ISU Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) policy. Contact EH&S for guidance on proper
procedures (294-5359).
Trash
Please dispose of all large items and potting media bags in the dumpster outside of the Agronomy Hall
loading dock. Smaller items, dirt from the floor, etc. may be placed in the proper trash cans in the
growth chamber rooms. Any items left outside of the chambers will be considered trash and be
disposed of.
Restrictions
Projects with strong or unpleasant odors will not be allowed in the growth chambers.
pg. 6
Greenhouse Manager Responsibilities
Monitoring and Maintenance
The Greenhouse Manager will be responsible for weekly monitoring of the lights in the chambers and
change bulbs or schedule repairs as necessary. Repairs will be made as soon as possible after a need
has been identified, either by the user or the Greenhouse Manager. Maintenance needs identified by a
growth chamber user should be reported to the Greenhouse Manager. Need for facility upgrades will
be identified by the Greenhouse, Growth Chamber, and Cold Storage Committee.
Environmental Controls
All environmental controls are to be set by the Greenhouse Manager and greenhouse staff. Any
temperature or lighting needs should be communicated to the Greenhouse Manager. The Greenhouse
Manager will not be responsible for incorrect settings that are changed by the user. All settings should
be included on the Growth Chamber Request form so they can be set by the Greenhouse Manager.
Questionable settings that are observed will be reset to the settings from the Growth Chamber
Request form and the user will be notified. Changes to the environmental controls can be made at any
time by communicating the new settings to the Greenhouse Manager in writing and will be updated on
the Greenhouse Space Request form.
Implementation of IPM/Pesticide Application
The Greenhouse Manager will be the primary pesticide applicator for doing applications for pest
control. After being notified by the user that there is a need for pest control the Greenhouse Manager
will select an appropriate course of action for the specified pest(s). The first application shall be made
within 48 hours of notification, but generally will be completed the next business day to give the users
time to complete their daily goals. The growth chamber users will be notified once the application has
been scheduled. All applications will be made after 3:00 PM.
Difficult to control pests (spider mites, thrips, etc.) will be treated at least twice, with the second
application being 7-10 days after the first. A reminder will be sent out via email to the identified users
the afternoon before the second application is to be made. If additional treatments are necessary for
acceptable control the user should notify the Greenhouse Manager as early as possible.
Record-keeping
The Greenhouse Manager will maintain all records for chemicals applied in the Growth Chambers to
comply with Federal and State laws. All applications will be posted on the clipboard outside of Room
G544A for a minimum of 30 days. Any applications that are made by growth chamber users must also
be posted on this clipboard. All MSDS forms for chemicals used in the chambers are to be kept in the
notebook outside of Room G544A.
Light Bulb Replacement
All HID and fluorescent light bulbs will be replaced approximately every 7000 hours, or when they fail if
it is before 7000 hours. Any group requesting that the lights be changed before the 7000 hours has
elapsed will be charged for their replacement.
pg. 7
Growth Chamber Descriptions
There are 3 different sized growth chambers with different features. All dimensions and descriptions
are included below, as well as the number of chambers of each size available. (Square foot calculation
is rounded to the nearest whole number)
Growth Chamber Model E15
11 Chambers available
Reach in Chamber - 15 square feet
72.5” x 30.5”
Maximum Growth Height – 45”
4 banks of fluorescent tubes and 4 banks of incandescent lights
Chambers: RSE8, RSE9, RSE10, RSE11, RSE12, RSE13, RSE 20, RSE21, RSE26, RSE27, RSE28
Growth Chamber Model E15-HID
2 Chambers available
Reach in Chamber - 15 square feet
72.5” x 30.5”
Maximum Growth Height – 45”
6 Metal Halide lights
Chambers: RSE 18, RSE 19
Growth Chamber Model PGV36
2 chambers available
Walk in Chamber - 36 square feet growing area, 60 square feet total
89” x 96.25”
Maximum Growth Height – 80”
4 banks of fluorescent tubes and 4 banks of incandescent lights
Chambers: RSE1, RSE23
Growth Chamber Model PGW36
13 chambers available
Reach in Chamber - 36 square feet
97.5” x 53.5”
Maximum Growth Height – 77”
4 banks of fluorescent tubes and 4 banks of incandescent lights
Chambers: RSE2, RSE3, RSE4, RSE5, RSE6, RSE7, RSE14, RSE15, RSE22, RSE24, RSE25,
Greenhouse1, Greenhouse2
Growth Chamber Model PGW36M
13 chambers available
Reach in Chamber - 36 square feet
97.5” x 53.5”
Maximum Growth Height – 88”
8 banks of fluorescent tubes and 8 banks of incandescent lights
Chambers: RSE14, RSE15
pg. 8
Growth Chamber Model PGW36T
2 chambers available
Reach in Chamber - 36 square feet
97.5” x 53.5”
Maximum Growth Height – 132”
8 banks of fluorescent tubes and 8 banks of incandescent lights
Chambers: RSE16, RSE17
pg. 9
Fee Schedule
Space Usage Fees
The daily growth chamber rates are listed below with increases that will be seen in the upcoming
years. These fees will be implemented on July 1 of the respective year. Please see pages 8 - 9 for
growth chamber descriptions.
36 ft2 HID Chambers (RSE16 and RSE17):
2014 – $4.55
2015 – $5.60
2016 – $6.65
2017 – $7.70
2018 – $8.75
36ft2 Fluorescent Chambers (RSE 1, RSE2, RSE3, RSE4, RSE5, RSE6, RSE7, RSE14, RSE15, RSE22, RSE23, RSE24,
RSE25, GH RSE1, GH RSE2):
2014 – $4.05
2015 – $4.85
2016 – $5.65
2017 – $6.45
15ft2 HID Chambers (RSE18, RSE19):
2014 – $3.25
2015 – $4.00
2016 – $5.10
15ft2 Fluorescent Chambers (RSE8, RSE10, RSE11, RSE12, RSE13, RSE20, RSE21, RSE26, RSE27, RSE28):
2014 – $3.25
2015 – $4.00
2016 – $4.65
Percival E41-L2 Arabidopsis Chambers (RSE29, RSE30)
2014 – $2.75
2015 – $2.75
2016 – $2.75
Fines –
Failure to Comply with Federal or State laws and growth chamber procedures
- 2nd offense - $100
- 3rd offense - $250 and termination of growth chamber privileges
Cleaning –
-
Storage of unnecessary items in a growth chamber - $250
Compartment not cleaned and sanitized upon project completion - $250
Storage –
- Storage of items not removed from compartment upon project completion - $10/day (max
$300)
pg. 10
Signature Page
Please provide this completed page with your request for growth chamber space to the Greenhouse
Manager (see pg. 1).
I understand and accept the terms outlined in the Iowa State University Department of Agronomy
Growth Chamber Operating Procedures Manual:
Signature_____________________________________
Printed Name_____________________________________
Responsible Faculty Member____________________________________
Date__________________________
pg. 11
Growth Chamber Space Request Form
Faculty Member Responsible
Name:
Email:
Signature:
Date:
Phone:
Date:
Principal Growth Chamber User (additional users may be identified on a separate sheet)
Name:
Email:
Phone:
Signature:
Department:
Date:
Account #:
After Hours Emergency
Notification:
Contact Name/Phone:
Project Start Date ______________________
Project End Date: ___________________________
Square feet needed: _________________
Maximum Growth Height: ____________________
Brief Project Description/Equipment Setup:
pg. 12
Environmental Requirements:
a) Temperature: Day_______________
Night_______________
b) Photoperiod:

Hours – day/night (ex. 16 day/8 night)_________________________________

Light level needed _____________________________________________
Comments:
pg. 13