Growth facilities in Frederiksberg

Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 are primarily used for growing experimental plants, but between March and May, part of the area in Sections 2 and 3 is used to produce plants for the faculty’s gardens.

The sections have individual climate control systems, which regulate both air temperature and bench temperature.

CO₂ is supplied to all sections, and artificial lighting can be provided for the benches and floor area.

Irrigation can be carried out using mains water, fertiliser solution and osmosis water in all sections, and each bench has its own irrigation valve.

The climate computer takes measurements in the sections and the data is stored.

Section 1

Contains 5 benches, each measuring 8 m², with separate irrigation valves.

One of the tables has blackout curtains and can therefore be used for experiments involving different day lengths.

Section 2

Contains 6 tables, each measuring 14 m², with separate irrigation valves.

One table has blackout curtains and can therefore be used for experiments involving different day lengths.

Section 3

Contains 4 benches, each measuring 20 m², with separate irrigation valves and approx. 50 m² of floor space for growing large or heavy plants.

Section 4

Contains 5 benches, each measuring 16 m², with separate irrigation valves.

The collection of educational plants comprises approximately 300 plant species from tropical and Mediterranean regions. The plant collection is used for teaching students on the botany course and is also utilised by Skoletjenesten.

All plants are labelled with both their Latin and Danish names, where available, and their country of origin is stated. Synonyms are indicated in italics. Download a list of plants in the educational collection.

Biological pest control is the primary method used.

Tropical plants (Section 5)

The collection in Section 5 contains approximately 200 different, unique plants, including species from the rainforest and from drier, warmer regions. The collection includes, amongst others, orchids, carnivorous plants, coffee and cocoa.

The collection is cultivated at temperatures ranging between 20 and 25 degrees, and the night-time temperature is occasionally lowered to promote natural flowering in the plants.

Humidity is maintained via overhead spray nozzles to ensure high air humidity.

Succulents and tropical aquatic plants (Section 6)

In Section 6a (a small corridor connecting Sections 5, 6 and 7) there is a collection of around 60 succulents.

In Section 6b there is a research-based collection of Cryptocorynes from Asia’s rainforests and mangroves.

In Section 6, the temperature is approximately 18–25 degrees.

Succulents and Mediterranean plants (Section 7)

The collection comprises approximately 45 plant specimens.

This section is used for several purposes:

• cooling and flower iiduction of teaching plants from Section 5
• research projects

This department serves several purposes:

• the production of summer flowers for the University Gardens, including the maintenance of mother plants of those species that can only be propagated vegetatively, i.e. by cuttings
• research projects

The section is kept relatively cool for the sake of the succulents, i.e. at temperatures ranging between 12 and 22 degrees.

Sections 9–16 comprise six greenhouse sections, which are mainly used for research and teaching purposes, including projects involving genetically modified plants. In addition, there is a workroom (Section 15) where plant handling takes place, i.e. setting up experiments, recording experimental data and disposing of experimental material.

Lab coats must be worn in the sections to ensure the containment of genetically modified plants. Lab coats are available at the entrance to the greenhouse section.

A very high standard of hygiene is maintained in the departments with regard to the presence of diseases and pests; should an infestation occur, it is primarily controlled using pesticides, although beneficial insects are also used to a limited extent.

To minimise the risk of infection, plants must not be brought into the sections without prior permission from the horticulturists. We aim to propagate plants intended for cultivation in these sections from seed on site.

The area of each section is 80 m², with 8 tables of 5.5 m² each.

In Sections 13 and 14, there are blackout curtains that enable, for example, short-day treatment of plants across two tables, meaning that blackout facilities covering 11 m² can now be provided in two of the research and teaching sections.

Section 16 is classified for work with genetically modified viruses and plants – the other sections are classified for genetically modified plants.

Each section has individual climate control, which includes, amongst other things, air temperature and table heating. However, there is no cooling of the sections beyond what can be achieved through ventilation via sash and top windows.

CO₂ is supplied, and artificial lighting can be provided to all tables. The climate control computer measures all climate data, which is then stored on the computer.

Each of the eight tables has its own irrigation valve. The tables feature a raise/lower irrigation system and water recirculation. The irrigation water is purified using a particle filter and treated with UV light, which eliminates living microorganisms.

Irrigation can be carried out using mains water, fertiliser solution and osmosis water.

Sections 12 and 16 are two greenhouse sections used primarily for research projects involving viruses or fungal diseases.

Lab coats must be worn in these sections to ensure the containment of genetically modified organisms and plants. Lab coats are available at the entrance to the greenhouse area.

A very high standard of hygiene is maintained in the sections with regard to the presence of diseases and pests, and should any infestation occur, it is controlled using pesticides. To minimise the risk of infection, plants must not be brought into the sections without prior authorisation from the horticulturists. We aim to propagate plants intended for cultivation in these sections from cell tissue cultures or from seeds on site.

The area of each section is 80 m², with 8 tables of 5.5 m² each.

Each section has individual climate control, which includes, amongst other things, air temperature and table heating. However, there is no cooling of the sections beyond what can be achieved through ventilation via sash and top windows.

CO₂ is supplied, and artificial light can be provided to all tables. The climate computer measures all climate data, which is then stored on the computer.

Each section has its own irrigation valve. The tables feature a raise/lower irrigation system and water recirculation.

The irrigation water is purified using a particle filter and treated with UV light, which eliminates living microorganisms.

Irrigation can be carried out using mains water, fertiliser solution and osmosis water.

Plastic tunnel

Adjacent to the greenhouse complex, a plastic tunnel of approximately 300 m² has been erected, which is kept heated and frost-free.

In summer, the temperature is kept down by ventilation, partly through the sides and partly through the roof.

The tunnel is primarily used for producing plants for the faculty’s gardens and for overwintering the faculty’s container plants and pots, but there is also space for experimental plants.

Planting beds

Surrounding the greenhouse complex are a number of areas covered with gravel or Maipex – planting beds – which are suitable for growing plants under natural climatic conditions.

Some of these areas are covered with netting to prevent birds from damaging seed-bearing plants.

A small area between the buildings has also been approved for the cultivation of genetically modified plants.

Both the tunnel and the bench areas can be watered using mains water, ion-exchanged water or fertiliser solution.

The Faculty of Science also has greenhouse facilities at Højbakkegård in Taastrup. The greenhouse facilities in Taastrup also include a number of climate chambers.

The greenhouse in the courtyard facing Bülowsvej is used by the Section for Plant and Soil Sciences and the Section for Molecular Plant Biology at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences.

The greenhouse on Grønnegårdsvej has been converted into a café for staff, students and the general public.

The user-pay scheme applies to staff and students at the University of Copenhagen.

Other users, i.e. researchers, lecturers and students at other Danish or foreign universities, research institutions or companies, are welcome to contact us to discuss the use of our facilities and staff. We would be happy to provide a quote for a comprehensive experimental project.

In connection with experiments, the following expenses are covered by the core funding allocated by the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences to Plant Facilities & Workshops (PFV), including greenhouses and climate chambers, etc.:

• Preparing tables, filling pots/trays with standard sphagnum moss and connecting the drip irrigation system.
• Standard watering and fertilisation, climate control and daily monitoring of the plants
• On-call rota at weekends, during which the plants are checked and watered.

Please note that students are entitled to special benefits; see below.

Users must pay for the following trial-specific tasks carried out by PFV staff:

• Planning meetings and other meetings between the user and PFV staff.
• Mixing of soil, sphagnum moss and other growing media, including collection from fields or similar locations.
• Setting up trials, e.g. sowing, labelling pots/containers, arranging them on tables or the floor.
• Procurement of planting material (cuttings, seeds, plants from Torvet, etc.).
• Setting up and dismantling artificial lighting in greenhouses
• Experimental set-ups that do not use standard materials and methods, e.g. weighing soil in pots, hydroponic systems, setting up specialised irrigation equipment, etc.
• Tying up, containment (GMO) and plant protection
• Measurements and treatments in accordance with the experimental plan, e.g. recording of germination, measuring or weighing pots/plant samples, photosynthesis measurements, assessments in experiments, pollination, manual watering.
• Harvesting of plants or plant parts.
• Processing of experimental samples, e.g. threshing, dry matter analysis, grinding.
• Destruction of plant material and growing medium (GMO).
• Tidying up and cleaning after experiments
• Experimental data, including data processing.

Users may, to a certain extent, assist with carrying out the tasks by agreement with PFV.

However, the application of pesticides, adjustment of climate control and setting of climate chambers must not be carried out by anyone other than PFV staff.

The cost of standard materials is covered by the core funding, i.e. pots, trays, sphagnum peat, fertiliser, pesticides, beneficial insects, bags and labels, etc., which are standard items in the greenhouses.

Planting material is paid for by the user, i.e. seeds, cuttings, plants, etc.

Special materials that are not standard in the greenhouses are paid for by the user, e.g. pots and containers in other sizes, alternative growing media, alternative fertilisers, alternative pesticides, etc.

A rental fee is payable for the use of space in greenhouses, climate chambers, hardening rooms, storage rooms and outdoor tub and bench areas. The rent covers the costs of operation, repairs, new purchases, modernisation and utilities.

If experimental treatments, climate settings, watering or other factors prevent other projects from using the remainder of the table or section you are using, rent must be paid for the blocked area.

Students undertaking a dissertation have the opportunity to carry out experiments as part of their dissertation. Students are responsible for all practical tasks relating to their experiments, except for the application of pesticides.

Students do not have to pay for:

• Planning meetings with PFV staff
• Guidance on the practical execution of the experimental tasks and the cultivation of the plants

All other services provided by PFV are subject to a user fee.

Students must therefore investigate the costs of the desired experiment in advance and reach an agreement on the funding of the experiment with their supervisor and with PFV.

• The student carries out all practical tasks relating to the experiment under the guidance of the greenhouse staff.
• The student bears ultimate responsibility for the plants and their care.
• The horticulturist responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the relevant greenhouse section must be involved in the project so that they can assess the plants’ needs, particularly in the event of any technical problems in the greenhouse or if the plants are not thriving.
• Plants may only be introduced into the greenhouses after they have been approved by the greenhouse gardeners for plant health reasons.
• The student must inspect the plants weekly for diseases and pests. In the event of any infestation, treatment must be discussed with the contact gardener, who will then arrange for control measures to be taken.
• Watering is the student’s own responsibility. Automatic watering can be set up where desired and appropriate. At weekends, manual watering may be arranged by prior agreement with the contact gardener. If watering is to be omitted, this must be indicated by a large sign placed at the growing table.
• Tools may be borrowed by contacting the greenhouse staff and must be returned, cleaned, to their designated place.
• The benches must be kept tidy at all times, and no personal belongings may be left on them without prior agreement with the greenhouse manager.
• Students must NOT operate the greenhouse automation system. By arrangement, the climate computer may be used to monitor the climate, but adjustments may ONLY be made by the greenhouse gardeners.
• Climate data can be obtained by contacting the greenhouse gardeners.
• At the end of the experiment, the tables used must be cleaned and any excess plant material placed in the waste bin.

Materials required for carrying out experiments, e.g. seeds, pots, soil, bags, etc., are paid for by the greenhouses’ operating budget, unless very large quantities or very expensive materials are involved.

The supervisor shall cover the costs or suggest possible sources of funding for the project.

In certain cases, the student must arrange for the procurement of materials themselves, e.g. special varieties of seeds or similar.