Germination / Growth Pouch Racks and Manipulation Stands
Growth Pouch Type 1 - PhenoRacks
VSI Pouch PhenoRacks. The Growth Pouch PhenoRacks are designed to provide space-efficient storage for Growth Pouches (Type 1).
The pouches are hung in an upright position in high quality plastic storage containers equipped with a rail system. The size of the containers and the number of Growth Pouches suspended per container will vary depending on the system configuration, but typically 20-30 Growth Pouches can be placed. Placed on both sides of the Positioning Panel, approximately 40-60 pouches can thus be stored per PhenoRack.
Individual growth pouches are covered with reusable Shading Panels to block light from reaching the roots. Each storage container can be filled with water/nutrient solution (e.g. half-strength Hogland) - for the bottom of germination papers to rewet themself by capillary action. Alternatively, pouches with water/nutrient solution in bottom-sealed plastic envelopes can be used.
PhenoRacks are available as preconfigured sets together with matching Growth Pouches or Germination Pouches - please fill out the Growth Pouch Configuration Form Type 1. For quoting custom sizes, please get in contact.
Growth Pouch Set-up / Manipulation Stands
VSI Pouch Manipulation & Set-up Stands. Two types of manipulation mounts are available for working on Growth and Germination Pouches:
- 30° angled, &
- ~90° (upright).
30° Stand
The 30° angled (from horizontal, 60° from vertical) stand is designed for
- Rigid, Type 2 Pouches, &
- Type 1 Positioning Panels with one pouch attached.
The angled placement is less likely to cause damage to plant stems protruding from the top. The stand is thus particularly useful for imaging /manipulation / root sampling tasks. The angled mount is also ideal for displaying different root system architectures for educational purposes.
90° (Upright) Stand
The ~90° stand (approx. 2-3° tilted from vertical) is designed for
- Type 1 Positioning Panels with pouches installed on one or both sides.
The straight stand is particularly useful when pouches are stored on hanging rails and need to be moved from the PhenoRacks for set-up, imaging and manipulation. When placed, the Positioning Panel can be slightly tilted to one or the other side, allowing to work effectively on the target pouch (placing seeds, adding water, installing the Shading Panel etc.).
Manipulation stands of either type are available together with matching Growth Pouches or Germination Pouches. Please fill in the Configuration Form Type 1 for quoting matching sizes, and/or get in contact for custom dimensions.
Please send per email: Growth Pouch Type 1 Configuration Form (pdf) when ordered ias kit with Pouches.
Growth Pouch Shading Panels
Growth Pouch Shading Panels. As light can severely affect root and rhizobiome, Light Shading Panels are an essential accessory for any Growth Pouch experiment. We manufacture effective 1 mm PMMA (acrylic, black) Shading Panels in any size. As standard, matched Shading Panel are a little less wide and shorter then the body area of the respective Positioning Panels, ensuring a tight fit and flexibility in height positioning (as depending on the position of the seed). Securely and easily attach Shading Panels to the Positioning Panels with office binders or rubber bands.
Shading Panels are available together with matching Growth Pouches or Germination Pouches / Root Phenoboxes, or as stand alone items. Please fill in the Configuration Form Type 1 for quoting sizes together with Positioning Panels, and/or get in contact for all other requests.