SOP

2.0 CONDUCTING A TRIAL

2.1 PURPOSE

• To ensure all trials conducted meet department and company standards.

• To outline the process for planning and executing a trial experiment.

2.2 SCOPE

This document covers the preparation and execution phases of conducting a trial experiment. These phases may include but are not limited to: preparing media, preparing tables, coordinating with other departments to move tables/plants, treating individual plants, attaching additional equipment to tables (i.e. drain catchers).  

2.3 RESPONSIBILITIES

• SUPERVISOR: Issue orders, makes LEAD/TECHS aware of specific concerns, periodic checks with LEADS

• LEAD: Ensure tasks are completed to standard, proper logs are referred to and/or recorded on while ensuring subordinates continuously have all necessary materials. Lead group in executing directions from SUPERVISOR or above. Keep management informed regarding needed materials, additional instructions or clarification and any other requirements team may have to complete tasks to standard.

• INTRO. TECH: Execute instructions from LEAD and above to standard.

2.4 DEFINITIONS

N/A

2.5 REQUIRED MATERIALS

• Empty 1 gallon black pots

• Empty tables

• Coco coir medium

• Tape and Marker

• R&D ID Trellis pole flags

• Drain catch attachments (as required)

• Additional materials will be determined by nature of experiment and SUPERVISOR/LEAD

2.6 RELATED DOCUMENTS

R&D MAP/LOCATIONS 

2.7 SAFETY 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - [where applicable] Scrubs, gloves, shoes or shoe covers, face mask, hair net and/or head cover and beard net.

2.8 SUMMARY

The tasks outlined in this document serve to guide techs through the planning and execution phases of conducting a trial experiment. These trials are paramount in determining later protocols to be followed regarding how each strain will be treated. These include but are not limited to: media inoculation and pre-treatment, media type, container type and size, topping level, nutrients and table density. 

2.9 PROCEDURE

• Preparation

• LEAD will be notified that a new trial will be initiated. LEAD will gather materials specific to the trial. Verify strain availability with Conditioning Department Supervisor

• INTRO. TECH(s) will gather general materials needed.

• AFTER AUTOMATION TEAM prepares seven tables with 168 one gallon black pots filled with loose coco coir media, they will be staged along the rails outside of the conditioning bay. At this point INTRO TECHs begin marking and labeling trial tables.

• Execution

• After tables have been adequately marked, before transplanting, if applicable, techs may begin treating media at this point.

• EXAMPLE : if conducting a mycorrhiza inoculation trial, product use must be done prior to transplant. INTRO TECHs at this stage will add mycorrhizae to the media.

• After tables have been adequately marked, after transplant, before the initial watering, if applicable, treat freshly transplanted plants.

• EXAMPLE: if treating with solid top dressing of any kind. (additives, time release nutrients, etc.)

• After tables have been adequately marked, after transplant and the initial watering, if applicable, treat freshly watered transplants.

• EXAMPLE: if treating with liquid solution additive into the media (biocatalyst, “MORE,” supplemental nutrients, Calcium/Magnesium solution)

• EXAMPLE: if treating with foliar feed

• After necessary treatments have been conducted the LEAD will add the new trial to applicable logs and will mark the trial under MAINTENANCE STATUS to be monitored and treated as needed for its duration.

• *see MAINTAINING A TRIAL SOP for further instruction.