Capacity for biocompatibility assessment in tissue culture and hydroponic systems

Abstract

In vitro and hydroponic intercropping systems were compared to examine the biocompatibility responses between ‘Fiona F₁’ tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and ‘Spunta’ potato (Solanum tuberosum). The biological response of monocultures (with four plantlets per vessel) of each species (including change in medium electrical conductivity (EC), osmotic potential (OS), and tissue mineral element content) were directly compared to intercropped cultures of the following tomato:potato; 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 2:2 plantlets per vessel. The in vitro intercropping systems were performed using a Murashige and Skoog (MS) shoot proliferation medium (5.0 μM BA and 0.5 μM IBA). The parallel hydroponic intercropping system was performed using a Hoagland's solution. Monoculture of both species grows better in both systems than intercropped species. In the intercropped vessels, tissue mineral content decreased, medium pH became more acidic, OS decreased and EC increased as compared to monocultures in parallel vessels. A lettuce seedling bioassay did not indicate evidence of allelopathic compound accumulation in either hydroponic or in vitro intercropped systems.