Greenhouses & Growth Chambers

About
The greenhouses and growth chambers managed by Cornell AES are vital for research and teaching. They offer carefully controlled environments for complex and sensitive research. Many houses have computerized environmental controls to regulate temperature, light and humidity in the most accurate and engergy efficient way possible.
Our dedicated plant growth facilities staff provides unparalleled service and support – caring for research plants and maintaining the conditions critical for success – 365 days a year.
The greenhouses include:
- A house dedicated to organic research, certified by NOFA-NY Certified Organic LLC.
- A valuable collection of tropical plants, including banana, ficus and the exotic corpse flower.
- Extra-tall houses for large crops.
146
Greenhouses for teaching and research
125
Plant growth chambers, ranging in size from 6 to 108 square feet
~400
Research projects in plant growth facilities at any one time

Plant growth chambers
Growth chambers are designed to completely isolate the research from the surrounding environment and provide total control of the climate inside the chamber. The amount of light and temperature can be closely regulated, and some chambers offer humidity control and CO2 enrichment options. This level of flexibility and control makes growth chambers indispensable for many researchers. Pathologists might use growth chambers for research on plants inoculated with different diseases, entomologists to study the effect of insect pests or their predators on plants, and plant breeders or horticulturists to induce flowering by controlling the exposure to light.
Take a peek into our plant growth facilities
Using beneficial insects and other organisms for biocontrol in Cornell greenhouses
Cornell AES uses biocontrol strategies to manage pests safely and effectively in some of the 146 greenhouses it manages for teaching and research on Cornell’s Ithaca campus. Watch how greenhouse growers apply some of these beneficial organisms to minimize the need for chemical controls.