In an expansion move two years in the making, Stoneville Pedigreed Seed Company unveiled for the media today a new research center that is unlike any other in the world. The 16,500 square foot greenhouse facility is attached to a 2,800 square foot support building, all located at Agricenter International in Memphis. While the structure is notable for its size and technological sophistication, its uniqueness is due to the fact that it was assembled from components drawn from all over the world. "When our operations became independent from Calgene, one of our early decisions was to move our primary research facility from California to Memphis," said Don Panter, vice president of research and development. "The next move was to recruit a top-notch greenhouse expert. We found that person in John Korns."

Korns says he found his "dream job" at Stoneville. "For a guy with a horticulture background it's a dream to be able to design your own greenhouse and growing system," he said.

No one could accuse Korns of limited dreams. Utilizing savvy and contacts made while selling greenhouse equipment, he drove hard bargains. And he "shopped" at marketplaces all over the world. As a result, the House that Stoneville built contains a roof from Holland, walls and an irrigation system from Canada and a screen from Israel. Other features include:

A central computer that controls lights, temperature, ventilation, irrigation and fertilization. All major systems except the lights have a backup, and an emergency generator kicks on seven seconds after the commencement of a power outage.  Three sources of water, including city water, a private well and the ability to truck in and store a seven to 10 day supply.  An elaborate five-stage water purification system that includes charcoal filters, water softeners, reverse osmosis and ultra-violet sterilization. An insect screen so fine it will exclude all insects (even thrips) plus pollen and many viruses while admitting fresh air. The Memphis facility is actually comprised of five greenhouses - a propagation house where seedlings are started and three growing houses. The disease house, which has a separate entrance to quarantine diseased plants, is used in breeding disease-resistant varieties without infecting the rest of the greenhouse.

Fertilization is regulated by the central computer which ensures that each plant receives the exact nutrients it needs. The computer also holds the temperature to within two degrees of perfection for cotton plants. "The idea is to make conditions so perfect for growing cotton that the only variables in the way the plants grow are the ones we introduce," according to Panter. As a result of all this pampering, Stoneville can grow a crop from seed to mature boll in 95 days compared to a typical crop of 150 days in the field.

"This facility is key to our plan to seize the leadership of our industry," said Thomas F. "Bud" Hughes, Stoneville president. "There is not a finer research facility anywhere, and U.S. cotton producers will soon begin to reap the benefits of this one."

Company news release
N2199