Capacity for biocompatibility assessment in tissue culture and hydroponic systems

In vitro and hydroponic intercropping systems were compared to examine the biocompatibility responses between 'Fiona F-1' tomato (Lycopersicon esculen tum Mill.) and 'Spunta' potato (Solanum tuberosum). The biological response of monocultures (with four plantlets per vessel) of each species (includin g change in medium electrical conductivity (EC), osmotic potential (OS), an d tissue mineral element content) were directly compared to intercropped cu ltures of the following tomato:potato; 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 2:2 pla ntlets per vessel. The in vitro intercropping systems were performed using a Murashige and Skoog (MS) shoot proliferation medium (5.0 mu M BA and 0.5 mu M DBA). The parallel hydroponic intercropping system was performed using a Hoagland's solution. Monoculture of both species grows better in both sy stems than intercropped species. In the intercropped vessels, tissue minera l content decreased, medium pH became more acidic, OS decreased and EC incr eased as compared to monocultures in parallel vessels. A lettuce seedling b ioassay did not indicate evidence of allelopathic compound accumulation in either hydroponic or in vitro intercropped systems.