USU Crop Physiology Laboratory
The CPL specializes in the use of controlled environments to examine whole-plant physiological responses to the environment. Our plants are often grown under electric lamps and in hydroponic culture – so they never see the sun and never touch soil. These conditions allow us to conduct detailed studies on genetic responses to environmental conditions. We are proud to have been funded by NASA for over 20 years to study the challenges associated with growing food crops in bioregenerative life support systems in space.
Featured Research
To learn more about current and past crop physiology research and experiments, see our publications.
Dwarf Crops For Space Flights
Research on the challenges associated with growing food crops in bioregenerative life support systems in space and the development of space-ready dwarf crops.Medical Hemp Research
Research on growth requirements, THC & CBD production, and other characteristics of hemp to provide further research for the use of the plant as a medical tool.Photobiology & Light Quality
Research on photobiology, light quality, and the efficiency of many light sources and luminaires, including LED, high pressure sodium, metal halide, ceramic metal halide.Teaching
Bruce Bugbee - Professor & CPL Director
Information, syllabi, and recorded lectures can be found on the following course pages.