A versatile, low-cost, and reusable hydroponic system for the cultivation of plants of various species.

Abstract

Hydroponic systems are important tools in plant research, as the roots of plants cultivated in hydroponic systems can be easily observed, treated, and sampled. However, the application of many hydroponic systems in research is constrained by species specificity, high costs, and complex assembly requirements. To address these limitations, we developed a versatile, low-cost, and easy-to-assemble hydroponic system capable of supporting the growth of multiple plant species. Here, we demonstrate successful hydroponic cultivation of eight dicotyledonous plant species, including model plants (Arabidopsis and Nicotiana benthamiana), horticultural crops (tomato and cucumber), and staple crops (soybean). Importantly, N. benthamiana, Arabidopsis, tomato, and soybean can complete their entire life cycles in this hydroponic system and ultimately produce mature seeds. This hydroponic cultivation system has a wide range of applications, particularly for the study of root physiology, host‒parasitic plant interactions, biotic and abiotic stress assays, and root exudates. This system provides a practical platform for plant research in laboratories.