Pest and Disease Prevention
The success of the protocols mentioned in the following sections relies upon
proper maintenance of equipment and the establishment of sanitary regimes such
as inspection, sterilization and order of entry. All material coming from
outside the farm is inspected for pests or disease prior to placement in a
growth chamber or greenhouse room. All growth rooms are sterilized before the
start of experiments by heating to 45C for 3-5 days to kill eggs, larval and
mature insects and/or pathogens. An order of entry is instituted to minimize
the spread of disease or infestation between zones.
Monitoring & Recording
All plants within the facility are examined for pest or disease problems by the
Uplands staff on a regular basis. Yellow sticky monitoring traps are set up at
the beginning of experiments to detect any flying insects. Plants are visually
inspected and flower taps are done. Each pest is identified. The percentage of
plants affected and the degree of infestation are monitored.
Treatment
Treatment is of two types: prophylactic and prescriptive. In cases where known
pests are repeatedly found, prophylactic measures are instituted. Once pests
have been detected and identified, infected plants are immediately treated
(prescriptive treatment). Pests are reduced through compatible physical and/or
chemical means.
Communication & Advisement
Uplands staff has a responsibility to keep users informed on the status of any
pest problems and to notify them of any spray treatment that is being planned
to minimize phytotoxicity and/or experimental disruption. The Uplands staff is
available for consultation on all matters of plant growth, plant health, pest
issues and welcome user's questions.
Watering / Fertilizing
Uplands staff is responsible for all watering at the farm. Schedules are
determined and posted depending on the crop and weather conditions. Weekly
fertilizer applications are made to the maize in the greenhouses usually at the
end of each week. Arabidopsis flats have a slow release fertilizer component
built into the soil mix so no other fertilizer applications are made. This regime will vary according to
seasonal and environmental growing conditions as well as the age of the plant.
Uplands staff will monitor the plants daily to adjust variables as needed.