Experiment Station > Research Centers

Plant Science Research Center

Auburn, Lee County, Ala.
Land Area: 12, 000 sq. feet under glass, 5,000- sq.-foot outdoor area
Soils: Potting media (Sunshine #8 mix,  Fafard #2 mix, Sunshine ultimate organic mix)

The only Alabama Ag Experiment Station research unit on the AU campus, the Plant Science Research Center offers scientists the opportunity to work in a glass greenhouse structure with state-of–the-art climate and environmental controls and an advanced data acquisition system. Current research areas include field crops, biofuels and vegetable and ornamental plant production.

Research Emphasis Areas

Biobased products and processing — Production of bio-fuel crops, including propagation methods, cultural studies and nutritional studies

Cotton — Nematode populations, culture and identification methods; nematicide trials; cotton gene expression

Microbial biotechnology — Production methods and growth habits of bioremediation plants for run-off water

Organic agriculture — Production of organic transplants, vegetable crops and microgreens with an emphasis on organic substrates, fertility and insect control 

Ornamental horticulture — Suitable substrates and fertility for lotus 

Pest management — Control of invasive species cogongrass and kudzu; reproduction, feeding and egg-laying habits of insect pests; plant viral, fungal and bacterial pathogens on vegetables, fruit, ornamentals and field crops; growth promotion and fertilizer reduction utilizing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)

Vegetables, fruits and berries — Plant viruses, fungi and baceteria affecting vegetable production

History

In 1988, the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station proposed updating its greenhouse facilities to keep up with changes in plant sciences research. The existing greenhouse facilities were located in central campus, surrounded by large buildings, limited in space and antiquated. 

In August 1991, the first stage of the Plant Science Research Center was completed. Located on the south side of the Auburn University campus and the only AAES research facility on campus, the center consists of 10,800 square feet of modern greenhouse space and a headhouse containing laboratory and work space. It provides researchers with the latest in greenhouse climate-control monitoring and regulating systems.

In 2009, two additional greenhouse zones were added along with an updated, environmental control system with off-site monitoring and alarm capabilities. 

In 2011, the PSRC will gain additional work space upon the completion of the soil processing building.  This area will house soil mixing equipment, an autoclave, soil and fertilizer storage areas, a walk-in cooler, loading dock and lab area for packing field samples.

Future plans include the purchase of four growth rooms for containment research and insect studies. 

Last Reviewed: October 13, 2011