Research greenhouses to be used for developing better varieties

N.C. St. Univ. will construct 2 temporary greenhouses at the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis, N.C., reports the Charlotte Business Journal. The 35- by 96-ft. structures, which cost $55,000 each, are expected to be finished for the spring growing season.
The temporary greenhouses, which are expected to last 20 years, will remain part of the overall operation. They will be similar to a greenhouse that already exists at the university’s Piedmont Research Station in Salisbury. The Piedmont greenhouse is used for research on developing new, superior varieties of strawberries and raspberries. Breeding work includes evaluation of plants for yield, adaptability, flavor and appearance.
 The greenhouses along with the surrounding outdoor production area will cover about 100 acres. The Journal reports the university plans to construct a permanent greenhouse and head house structure once state funding becomes available. The university originally planned to erect a 75,000 sq. ft. permanent facility, but the timetable for constructing the entire project may change.