A number of North American universities have undertaken research projects that involve studying plants grown using Cravo retractable roof greenhouse technology. In particular, the following universities are currently researching the benefits of growing plants using Cravo retractable roof greenhouses and shade systems.

Ohio State University
At the Columbus campus of Ohio State University, researchers are performing progressive applied research in plant shading, propagation in a retractable roof environment, temperature stress, use of improved nutrients and improved water use efficiency.  Researchers have also started research comparing the “growth and quality of four species of common nursery tree whips in retractable roof houses with plants grown in the Ohio Nursery Production System in an attempt to develop a new container whip production system using retractable roof greenhouse technology. Links http://hcs.osu.edu/ http://hcs.osu.edu/basicgreen/

At Colorado State University research is being undertaken to determine the performance level of various types of pots and media for plants grown in retractable roof greenhouses and to evaluate and optimize productivity in these houses.


At the University or Arizona researchers are studying the impact on quality, yield, insects and disease on tomato, peppers and potted rose production. They are also researching the impact of controlling the greenhouse roof using an exposed temperature sensor located above the greenhouse instead of an air temperature sensor located inside. Future experiments include growing herbs, and documenting the impact on water usage compared to outdoor crops.