Characterization and identification of volatile compounds improving the hydroponic technique for strawberry

Abstract

Hydroponic systems for vegetable production are nowadays essential to maximize productions and increase yields. However, the technical issues concerning control microbial diseases and pests, and the low level of flavor have not yet been improved. Here we report volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from companion plants can be used as chemical signals providing better quality for strawberries during the hydroponic culture. First, we identified the chemical stimuli emanating from companion plants with strawberries via spectrometry analyses and found VOCs being responsible for the strawberry growth. The strawberries grown with tomato and lavender as companion plants were significantly higher in growth than non-companion strawberry. Especially, tomato VOCs stimulated strawberry growth. Therefore, the VOC was identified the chemical structure and biological properties.