2013 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
Provide an overview of the procedures to upgrade older growth chambers and inform the horticulture community on options that are available.

Recent federal legislation (The Energy Policy Act) has phased out the T12 VHO fluorescent light that has long been the standard in many growth chambers. It is increasingly difficult and expensive to purchase replacement lamps or ballasts for these lights. This workshop will discuss cost effective options for restoring these chambers. New lighting options are available to increase PPF, uniformity, and electrical efficiency. At many institutions, it may be possible to get funding for this retrofit through energy efficiency programs. Updated control systems can also be installed, and refrigeration systems can be improved. These modifications are usually significantly less than the cost of purchasing new growth chambers.