Hands-on exhibits highlighting a broad spectrum of plant-science activities will be on display during the Oct. 15 opening of new plant-sciences facilities at the University of California, Davis.

The event celebrates the completion of a complex of new buildings, including state-of-the-art greenhouses, a plant-science teaching facility and a building dedicated to studies of plant reproduction.

"Located adjacent to the campus's long-established student experimental farm, this new complex exemplifies UC Davis' historical strength in the plant sciences and our vision for new research frontiers in this area," said Michael Parrella, associate dean of agricultural sciences in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. "These are just buildings, but we are excited because the teaching and research that will occur here will advance our understanding of how plants function and lead to new and better crops and farming systems, "he added.

Participating in the event will be more than 200 industry representatives, dignitaries and members of the campus community.

A 10 a.m. opening ceremony will be followed by tours of the student farm, greenhouse, laboratories and teaching rooms. Trams also will be available to take visitors to Robbins Hall for a tour of the agricultural genomics and plant transformation facilities. Displays will illustrate research activities in related facilities.

Visitors will also be invited take home samples of fruits, nuts and vegetables grown on campus.

Visual opportunities will include schoolchildren touring the student farm, a working beehive, a computer-and-video-guided system for farm equipment, and many more.

To reach the new Plant Sciences Facilities, take Interstate 80 to Highway 113 and drive north toward Woodland. Take the first exit at Hutchison Drive and turn right onto Hutchison. Take the first left onto Extension Center Drive. Park in Lot 30 on the right. To park free, place a news-media business card on the driver's side of the dashboard. The Plant Sciences Facilities are located on the opposite side of Extension Center Drive.