The UNH Macfarlane Research Greenhouses is a facility of the NH Agricultural Experiment Station at th
With more than 25,000 square feet of greenhouse space, the Macfarlane Research Greenhouses primarily is dedicated to research and teaching associated with the NH Agricultural Experiment Station and College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, and also includes teaching greenhouses associated with the Thompson School of Applied Science. The facility provides highly controlled environments for a divers
ity of research projects, including ornamental and food crop breeding, sustainable ornamental plant nutrition and development, biological pest control, bioremediation, aquaculture, and plant genetic diversity, as well as substantial undergraduate and graduate instructional activities. The greenhouse environments are monitored and precisely regulated through a computer-based control system that creates a sustainable growing environment through the conservation of heat, electricity, water and fertilizer, and increased plant resistance to insect pests and diseases. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a knowledge-based, holistic approach to managing greenhouse pest populations and diseases that considers all possible options, including environmental, economic and community concerns, before action is taken. Insect pests and diseases in our greenhouses are successfully managed through this preventive program of careful monitoring of pest populations and the introduction of appropriate biological controls. In addition to on-campus research and teaching, the greenhouse facility is a significant resource for teaching and outreach to our local communities and horticultural professionals across the country. Our annual Spring Open House engage the general public in ongoing research and increase overall awareness of local, sustainable horticultural production here at the university and throughout the region. UNH Cooperative Extension uses the greenhouse to help extend research results to our stakeholders in a timely manner. The conservatory greenhouse with its diverse plant collection and small fish pond is a welcome destination for many visitors, particularly in the depths of winter.
