Compuestos orgánicos volátiles de especies aromáticas como promotores de crecimiento del tomate saladette (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.)

Objetive: The present study analysed the effects of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of the foliage and flowers of Ocimum basilicum, Tagetes erecta and Origanum majorana on the growth of the Saladette tomato. Design/Method/Approach: The aromatic species in their phase of development and flowering were transplanted between grooves of tomato plants. The treatments (Association of aromatic species 1, 2 and 3 in development + tomato plant, association of aromatic species 1, 2 and 3 in flowering + tomato plant and tomato plant without association) were randomized under a completely randomized experimental design, with arrangements in blocks. The indicators of the phenology and growth of tomato plants were measured. The information was analyzed according to the ANOVA (0.05) and based on the calculated F. Next, the Tukey method (0.5) was applied. Results: The results show that the association of aromatic species offers a positive effect on the growth of tomato plants and the flowering stage showed clear results. The Tagetes erecta species produced a highly significant difference with respect to the control and Ocimum basilicum (Tukey 0.05), this showed that Marigold improves the height, diameter of the stem and the biomass of the vegetable. In addition, the Volatile Organic Compounds of T. erecta caused early flowering in the tomato (5 days). Research Limitations/ Implications:  The plantation interspersed between aromatic species and vegetables generated costs, this can be a limiting factor in the transfer of technology. Findings/Conclusions: The Volatile Organic Compounds of the aromatic species participate as plant breeders and controlling tomato stress. Thus, the primary crop or the vegetable associated with Tagetes erecta and Origanum majorana favors the height, the diameter of the stem, the biomass and presents an early flowering (5 days) obtaining an early harvest.