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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Plant Pathology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #178251
Title: DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF A MOBILE CONTAINMENT GREENHOUSE LABORATORY (MCGL)

Author
item PARKER, P. E. - USDA-APHIS-PPQ-CPHST
item Gottwald, Timothy
item LEVY, L. - USDA-APHIS-PPQ-CPHST
item COOK, A. Z. - USDA-APHIS-PPQ-CPHST

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/4/2005
Publication Date: 6/1/2005
Citation: Parker, P.E., Gottwald, T.R., Levy, L., Cook, A.Z. 2005. Development and deployment of a mobile containment greenhouse laboratory (MCGL). Phytopathology. 95:6S80.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The concept of a mobile containment greenhouse/laboratory was originally developed by ARS scientists 10 years ago. A prototype unit was built and has functioned as a containment greenhouse/laboratory for citrus canker studies in Miami. The second generation prototype, a self-contained, semi-mobile, computer-controlled unit, was constructed by USDA, APHIS, PPQ. The 3 inch double side walls of the greenhouse are constructed of custom extruded aluminum framing sheathed with double layer Lexan panels. The environmental parameters (temperature, lighting, CO2, watering) are continually monitored and controlled by a computer data acquisition and feedback control system which can be controlled from remote locations via a wireless communications system. Basic equipment components of the laboratory include: a refrigeration/freezer unit, biosafety cabinet, incubator, autoclave and a HEPA air filtration unit. An emergency generator functions automatically as a power back-up and can also provide full electrical power in the absence of local electricity. Other features include holding tanks for sink effluent and runoff from metal diamond plate floors with a central channel drain, irrigation/fertigation system for the greenhouse and external irrigation controls for associated field plots. This new mobile unit will be used immediately for citrus canker research, but more importantly, can be replicated and rapidly deployed as needed by APHIS for additional emergency programs as outbreaks of new high consequence quarantine pests and pathogens occur in the U.S.