phytotron

botany

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July 2, 2026

Quick Summary

A phytotron is a laboratory designed for growing plants under precisely controlled environmental conditions. These facilities allow botanists to study the effects of various factors, such as day length, night length, and temperature, on plant growth, flowering, and fruiting. The phytotron at the California Institute of Technology was an early example of this approach, providing significant insights into plant physiology. By manipulating these environmental variables, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of how plants respond and develop.12

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botany
Physiological aspects
The phytotron at the California Institute of Technology represents the first serious attempt to control the environment of living plants on a relatively large scale; much important information has been gained concerning the effects on plants of day length and night length and the effects on…
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The phytotron at the California Institute of Technology represents the first serious attempt to control the environment of living plants on a relatively large scale; much important information has been gained concerning the effects on plants of day length and night length and the effects on…
Read More

horticulture
Structures
…environmental controls are known as phytotrons and can be used for plants with specific growing requirements or for scientific experiments and environmental modeling. Other environmental factors are controlled through automatic watering, regulation of light and shade, addition of carbon dioxide, and the regulation of fertility.
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…environmental controls are known as phytotrons and can be used for plants with specific growing requirements or for scientific experiments and environmental modeling. Other environmental factors are controlled through automatic watering, regulation of light and shade, addition of carbon dioxide, and the regulation of fertility.
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