Rice in a greenhouse or growth chamber

[Aaron Reeves]

	   We are trying to grow rice (O. sativa- indica IR 36) under 
greenhouse conditions or in a growth chamber, and have met with little 
success so far.  Seedlings are growing in a soil/perlite (1:1) mix at 
about 32 degrees C with 24-hr illumination.  We placed pots (3-4" in 
diameter and about 4" high) in a hydroponic solution with a pH of 5.5, 
which we top off with water daily and replace weekly.  Pots are always 
in 1-2" of solution.  We've tried several different solution 
formulations, none of which has given good results.
     Our worst problem has been the onset of chlorosis in our seedlings, 
typically before they are 3 weeks old.  We suspect that this is an iron 
deficiency, but foliar feeding with a chelated iron solution has not 
helped.
    Does anyone know of a good protocol for growing rice in a 
greenhouse/growth chamber (temp, humidity, pH, lighting, nutrients)?  Is 
there anything apparently wrong with what we've done so far?  We'd 
appreciate any advise that anyone might have to offer.

Thanks,

Aaron

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Aaron Reeves
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Department of Biology
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
areeves at lamar.colostate.edu