Contents

Introduction

Policy outlined in this manual was developed to allow the effective use of the Plant Growth Center (PGC) while maintaining the integrity of the facility. The complexity and sophistication of the facility and the nature of scientific research have dictated the need for the creation of policy contained in this manual. Policy will be modified over time to improve the Plant Growth Center such that the goal of creating an efficient research facility is best realized. PGC Staff and the Management Committee requests your cooperation in applying this policy, as well as sincerely solicits your suggestions and constructive criticisms.

The management of the facility will be a combined effort of the PGC management committee, PGC Staff, and the office of the Dean of the College of Agriculture. The PGC management committee is comprised of the PGC Manager, as well as appointed faculty members from departments involved in biological and agricultural research.

For questions about any items in the policy manual, please contact PGC Staff at pgc@montana.edu or by phone at (406) 994-2231.

Herein, “PGC” may be used to describe PGC Staff, the PGC Manager, and/or the PGC Management Committee.

Worker Protection Standards

The PGC complies with the Environmental Protection Agency's Worker Protection Standards (WPS). Nearly all PGC users fall under the ‘Agricultural Workers’ category- defined as “those who perform tasks related to growing and harvesting plants on farms or in greenhouses, nurseries or forests.” All users of the facility must have a valid WPS training form on file or a Montana Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator's License in their possession.

  • WPS training must be renewed on an annual basis.
  • WPS training is required before PGC Staff approves CatCard building access.
  • PGC Staff provides WPS training upon request.

Research

Space Assignment

Assignment of PGC space will be requested for a specific time interval using the online form located here. At the end of this interval, use of that space must be relinquished and the space vacated. There will be no permanent assignments of space. However, length of assignments will vary based on the scope of individual projects.

Unless reassigned in response to a new request, space not vacated on schedule will be cleared and the unauthorized material contained therein will be disposed of. An extension can be obtained only by submission of a new space request form at least one month in advance of the original termination date.

There will be no sub-letting or sharing of PGC space unless approved by Staff. Unused or unneeded space will be tracked, and depending on demand, Staff may request the space to be vacated for other use. In this case, charges incurred will be amended as needed.

Under no circumstances may physical modifications be made to any part of the Plant Growth Center or its equipment. Space will not be assigned to researchers in arrears on use or cleaning fees.

Research Facilities

Please note that space is limited and will be assigned on a rolling basis. It is recommended to make a request as soon as possible. Space and facilities will then be assigned for approved requests according to application date and availability. Upon approval, the researcher will receive a notice and be permitted to occupy the space assigned to them.

Maintenance Fee

Use of all PGC space and facilities for research activities or storage will be on a prepaid fee basis according to the attached fee schedule. Historically, fees have increased at a rate of 4% per year. Note that due to current inflationary forces, this number is under review and subject to change. Any changes to this fee structure will be transparent, and PGC users will be notified in advance. Research faculty are advised to include such fees in the budgets of grant proposals and in the budget planning process for continuing research activities such as MAES "Station projects," etc.

Greenhouse Units

In addition to above policy, space assignment in greenhouse units will include the following:

  • On-going use in a given unit has priority over proposed use of additional vacant space in that unit in the case of incompatibility of project / experiments.
  • Users assigned partial space in a unit are not permitted to make changes without approval, including the use of vacant space not assigned to them.

Growth Chambers and Growth Rooms

Growth chamber installment and use assignment will be in accordance with the following:

Installation Space

Placement of growth chambers in the PGC will be at faculty request. Approval will depend on availability of space and an inspection of the growth chamber. The procurer is responsible for all installation charges.

Units Owned by the PGC

These units will remain under the jurisdiction of the PGC and will be assigned for use based on research proposals and needs.

Units Not Owned by the PGC

Used growth chambers previously installed elsewhere and in functioning condition will be considered the jurisdiction of the PGC; however, the owner will have priority in use assignment. Owner and non-owner users will be billed use fees according to the attached schedule. Procurers are responsible for all installation charges.

New growth chambers that are under warranty will be considered the jurisdiction of the PGC, however, the owner has priority in use assignments. The owner will not be billed a use fee during the first three years. Use fees will be assessed for non-owner users from the outset, and for owner of the unit after three years form installation date. Procurers are responsible for all installation charges.

Conservatory

The conservatory will be managed by the PGC. Suggestions for this space are welcome and can be transmitted to PGC Staff.

Other Areas

The facilities listed below are for general support of the research within the facility. They are supervised and managed by the PGC. Additional use conditions are stated elsewhere in this manual.

  • Herbicide Application Room
  • Plant Drying and Grinding Rooms
  • Soil Drying and Grinding Rooms
  • Weighing Room
  • Plant Processing Room
  • Growth Media Handling and Processing Area

 

Cleaning of vacated spaces, tools, and materials

A charge of $50 will be billed if a user fails to clean their assigned space at the time they vacate. PGC Staff is committed to supporting the researchers in their work and will wash and sanitize a surface-cleaned space after a user vacates. This process is most effective if the spaces are first cleared and swept. Equipment will be provided for cleaning upon request or can be found throughout the facility.

Storage Facilities

Cages and Lockers

There will be no permanently assigned space in the cages. Space in the cages will be assigned in conjunction with space assignments in greenhouse, growth rooms, and growth chambers. Assignment of space in cages will be limited to the duration of the associated space assignment in one of the plant growth facilities.

Hallway lockers are available for individual user storage and can be requested through PGC Staff. There is no use fee for these lockers.

Chemical Storage Rooms

Chemical storage rooms are managed by the PGC. Use of both the standard chemical storage room and toxic chemical room will be coordinated by PGC Staff. Access to and use of these rooms will be through PGC Staff by arrangement only. Additional use conditions are stated elsewhere in this manual.

Cabinets (Plant Processing)

The locking cabinets in the plant processing area are for use after discussion with PGC Staff.

PGC Storage Rooms

These storage areas are for PGC use only unless otherwise noted.

Mechanical - Electrical - Custodial Rooms

These rooms are managed by Facilities Services. Generally, they are off limits to all PGC users and Staff.

Office and Shop

The PGC office, back auxiliary room, and shop are for PGC Staff use only, unless otherwise agreed upon. Tools and materials can be requested if need arises.

 

Schedule of Use Fees

To generate funds for maintenance, the goal of supporting researchers in their work, and providing educational space; users will be charged a fee based on the amount of square footage used. Fees will be billed on a quarterly basis.

Current charges (as of 04/01/26), except for the storage cages, are based on square footage and apply to greenhouse space, growth chambers, and growth rooms:

Area

Charge ($/sq ft/day)

Research Greenhouses

$0.0182

West Wing Greenhouse Benches

$0.0182

Growth Chambers

$0.125

Growth Rooms

$0.116

Plant Pathology Isolation Units

$0.064

Storage Cages

$0.21 (/day)

Note: Use fees are currently under review. Analysis will be conducted in the future to assess the balance between effective and fair use fees. Changes will be announced at least 6 months in advance.

General PGC Operating Rules

  • Units will be periodically inspected for compliance to the policies herein.
  • The PGC is designated as a non-smoking
  • These facilities are to be used only in support of research. The PGC is not to be used as a replacement for other laboratories, services, etc.
  • Materials and equipment from field research are not to be brought into the facility for processing and/or storage, unless approval is granted by Staff.
  • The PGC Manager is responsible for overall operations, application of policies, and training of project leaders in use of the facilities.
  • Project leaders are responsible for training their employees, graduate students, and anyone doing work for them in the proper use of greenhouse procedures and policies and are responsible for their actions.
  • Use your space effectively. Failure to use space effectively may be grounds for reassignment.
  • Return all equipment and other general use items to their proper storage area when the work is complete. Clean any tools or materials that acquired soil or other materials.
  • The PGC will provide the following materials for research and education:
    • Horticultural items such as:
      • Pots & flats. Note: any specialized pots or containers must be provided by the researcher with the approval of the PGC Manager.
      • Plant Tags
      • Soil & Substrate
    • General pesticide applications
  • When sharing facility space, individual researchers will not interfere with other studies being conducted in the facility; this includes watering, lighting, temperature control, and other environmental factors.
  • All plant care will be carried out by the PGC users unless pesticide applications or other services requested.
  • Users will dispose of unwanted experimental materials in a garbage can. If toxic, please contact Staff before disposal.
  • Users should compost unwanted plant material that is not contaminated in the receptacle behind the PGC facility.
  • The conditions for each greenhouse will be set for the researcher by Staff.

Space Use

Users are responsible for keeping their space clean and orderly. PGC and Facilities staff often need to access greenhouse/growth room space for routine maintenance, and it is difficult for them to do their jobs in dirty or cluttered spaces. The user is responsible for:

  • Sweeping floors; brooms are available in multiple areas around the building
  • Keeping floor drains clear and unclogged
  • Storing hose on hose reel when not in use
  • Emptying greenhouse trash can
  • Maintaining access around all sides of greenhouse benches

In case of equipment or maintenance issues, please contact PGC Staff as soon as possible. Greenhouse items that Staff are responsible for include:

  • Replacing light bulbs
  • Adjusting lighting and environmental controls at user’s request
  • Adjusting and/or repairing evaporative cooling pads in greenhouses
  • Replacing or repairing damaged hoses and hose reels
  • Repairing or adjusting greenhouse benches and associated hardware

Some important notes for greenhouse users:

  • Turn hoses completely OFF at the hose spigot when not in use and release any water pressure remaining in the hose.
  • Do not leave hoses lying on the floor.
  • All teaching projects in the greenhouses must be clearly labeled with:
    • Name of project leader
    • Phone number and/or email.

Vacating Space/Experiment Termination

Researchers will be notified by the PGC Manager one month before their allotted time is up. Upon termination of each experiment, the project leader is responsible for seeing that all plant material, soil, and containers are removed from the growth area, cleaned, and returned for storage or disposed of in appropriate receptacles.

When vacating greenhouse space, users are responsible for leaving their space clean and ready for the next users. This includes:

  • Cleaning off bench-tops
  • Sweeping floors
  • Emptying the trashcan
  • Removing any personal items or equipment

Once the space is fully vacated, inform the PGC manager. PGC staff will power-wash and sanitize the greenhouse in preparation for the next user.

If researchers do not vacate and clean their area when required, user fees will continue to be charged. If PGC Staff is required to clean the area an additional cleaning fee will be charged as stated above.

Soil Disposal and Composting

Composting services are provided by MSU facilities. There are two low open-top bins outside the PGC garage for plant and soil materials. Only soil and plant materials can be composted. Any metal, plastic, paper, glass, or other trash must be removed and placed in the dumpster (also behind the garage).

Contaminated Plant and Soil Disposal

Soils and plant material treated with hazardous or radioactive compounds or chemicals are to be properly labeled and placed in receptacles in the hazardous chemical storage area. Notify Staff of disposals of any such material.

Policies for Non-Assigned PGC Support Areas

Users should leave the space as clean as or more clean than it was when they arrived.  PGC staff will empty trashcans and clear away clean pots in the pot-washing area, but the building janitors do not clean common-use spaces.

*Regarding trash cans in common use areas; soil weighs a significant amount- do not fill trashcans beyond half full with soil. If cans are overfilled, it is difficult for PGC staff to empty them into the dumpsters without hurting themselves. Please be courteous.

Users of any of the PGC storage areas (cold-wet storage, non-toxic storage, and room-temperature storage) must clearly label their materials with their name, phone number and/or email, and date placed in storage. PGC staff will clean out storerooms periodically, and any materials that are unlabeled, undated, or more than two years old will be disposed of.

Substrate Potting Area & Substrate Preparation

The PGC provides three basic potting mixes for use by all PGC users:

  • Sunshine Mix #1: commercial mix of sphagnum peatmoss and perlite
  • MSU Mix: in-house mix of equal parts local topsoil, washed concrete sand, and sphagnum peatmoss
  • 50/50 Mix: in-house mix of equal parts Sunshine Mix and MSU Mix

PGC staff mix and handle these products in-house. MSU Mix also requires pasteurization due to the incorporation of bulk local materials. Please allocate at least one week’s advance notice so that staff can schedule bulk accordingly.

Potting will be implemented in designated potting areas. Leftover and/or spilled soil will be swept up and disposed of in trash receptacles, never returned to the soil bins or soil carts, and never washed down the greenhouse drains. Soil preparation and potting areas will be cleaned immediately after each use. Pasteurized soil must not be contaminated by the addition of non-pasteurized soil, floor sweepings, nor by dirty implements.

Plant and Substrate Analysis Area

Facilities for analysis of PGC plant materials and substrate are provided in the PGC. These include grinders, balances, and work surfaces. These are shared facilities; authorization and time for their use must be arranged with the PGC Manager. No one is permitted to use these facilities and equipment until properly trained in their operation.

Only plant material and soils from PGC research may be analyzed in these areas.

Use of Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Materials

All state and federal guidelines regarding hazardous and radioactive materials will be adhered to. These materials will be used in a manner to ensure the safety of others and in such a way whereas they will have no influence on other research or people. These materials may be stored only in the area specified for toxic chemical storage.

Herbicide Application Room

It is expected that the majority use of this facility will be by faculty with primary research responsibilities in the weed science discipline. However, other faculty with need of such facilities may request its use. Specific use policies for activities in this room will be developed by the PGC in consultation with the Weed Science Faculty. These policies are not to contradict nor lead to violations of other PGC policies.

The immediate administrator for this area will be the head of the LRES Department. Authorization and time for its use will be arranged through this administrator.

Materials removed from this room are to be in closed containers and handled with care to avoid any contamination of other research and users. Transport these items on a cart.

Cold-Wet Storage

Space will be allocated for a limited time for experiments needing to maintain bare-root plants or to provide low-temperature treatments for experiments. Cleanliness will be strictly enforced. Pathogens will not be intentionally introduced into the general room environment.

Storage Cages and Lockers

Only supplies and equipment used in direct support of ongoing PGC research may be stored in these units. Cages and lockers must be vacated and cleaned; and keys must be returned to the PGC Manager at the termination of research activity. If the PGC staff is required to empty and clean these facilities, a $50 cleaning fee will be charged.

Toxic Chemical Storage Room

Only chemicals being used in direct support of ongoing PGC research may be stored in this room. All pesticides, radioactive isotopes, carcinogens, volatile and flammable chemicals that qualify for PGC storage must be stored in this room. All containers must be sealed and labeled for content and ownership. Chemicals are not to be stored in lockers and cages. Chemicals must be stored within secondary containment to prevent spillage, e.g. a plastic bin.

Liquids must be stored on the bottom racks while solids should be stored above them.

PGC Staff manages this space and notes that cooperation with guidelines and regulations keeps the PGC more safe for all.

Non-Toxic Chemical Room

Only chemicals that do not pose a hazard under normal and proper use and that are being used in direct support of ongoing PGC research may be stored in this room. All containers must be sealed and labeled for content and ownership.

Seed Storage

Store only seed materials in this room. Each container of seed should be identified by name and date stored. Seed going into storage must be free of insects. Project leaders are responsible for keeping this room clean. Any spilled items must be cleaned up immediately.

Services Provided by PGC Staff

  • Monitor user compliance to PGC policies.
  • Coordinate insect and disease control.
  • Notify project leaders prior to space assignment termination.
  • Train faculty in proper use of PGC facilities.
  • Monitor the condition of facilities and equipment and arrange for repair when necessary.
  • Procure, prepare, and pasteurize substrate.
  • Daily clean-up of areas not cared for by the custodians.
  • Maintain inventory of current projects.
  • Set all environmental controls.
  • Maintain accurate records of all use assignments, chemical treatments of space and other information pertinent to the management of the PGC.

Pest Control

PGC staff will handle all general pesticide treatments and applications. However, greenhouse users are urged to learn what pests are common in greenhouses, and to monitor plants for pest and disease issues on a regular basis. Common PGC pests/diseases include but are not limited to:

For more information on greenhouse pests and diseases contact the Staff at pgc@montana.edu. There is a QR code in each greenhouse that can be scanned and will bring you to our pest identification webpage. Please fill out an online pesticide request form when requesting applications. There is no need to email if you use this form.

If you do begin to notice a pest or disease problem in your space, report it to PGC staff immediately. Do not wait until the pest population has crossed the threshold where control becomes “curative” instead of “preventative.”

Key Assignment

Keys issued will be for specific space assigned and only for the duration of the space assignment. All key assignments must be approved and are monitored by the PGC Manager. Keys will be issued by the Office of Facilities Services (more information can be found on their key request page). User fees will continue until keys are returned and a copy of the key receipt is given to the PGC Manager. Users are responsible for costs of re-keying necessitated by their failure to return keys. Users may also access the building with their CatCard.

Key assignments and CatCard access will only be approved if users are up-to-date on their mandatory yearly Worker Protection Standards training. Contact PGC Staff at pgc@montana.edu to schedule a training.

Keys to non-assigned areas will not be distributed. Access will be through PGC Staff by arrangement.

Teaching

Users of teaching facilities are expected to follow the General PGC Operating Rules found previously in this document.

Teaching Greenhouse (179 L & M)

Space assignments will be based on a rolling basis. You can request teaching space here. Faculty wishing to use greenhouse space must submit a request at least three months prior to intended start date.
                  Preference will be given to individuals utilizing living plant material in their classes. Special projects for graduate and undergraduate students will be considered if space is available.

Student Lounge/Study Area

This area is considered open, non-assigned, multiple use space. However, on occasion, special activities may be scheduled in this area that would take priority over general student use. Special use requests should be submitted to the Assistant Dean at least one week in advance of the planned activity.

 

Transgenic Plant Material & Research

Visit the page at this link to understand the compliance and policy expectations of users who are working with transgenic plant materials.