Environmental Health Center Environmental Simulation

EUS has developed and is operating a phytotron facility with four walk-in-size exposure chambers, three sun simulators, and eight greenhouse cabinets, where a multitude of environmental conditions typically for the mid latitudes can be simulated.

The globally unique irradiation system of EUS combines metal halide lamps, quartz halogen lamps, and blue fluorescent tubes for the simulation of global irradiation from the UV-A range to the infrared wavelengths.

The research greenhouse comprises a total area of 400 m2 and is used for experiments on plants and soil as well as for plant cultivation and propagation under controlled and frost-free conditions.

We have set up an integrated "plant-to-sensor" system for the phenotyping of whole plants, i.e. of roots and shoots, in a newly built greenhouse.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play a central role in plant defence, stress mitigation and the communication of plants with their biotic environment.