Hydroponic Systems in Horticulture

Abstract

As a result of metabolic activity, plants produce primary and secondary compounds. This chapter focuses on secondary compounds (metabolites) and the way that the production of secondary metabolites can be elicited by biotic and abiotic stressors in controlled environmental horticulture. Some metabolites are universally distributed in many plant species, whereas others are unique to individual plant species and fulfil a plethora of functions. Important secondary metabolites will be presented here including their biosynthetic pathways, their occurrence in nature and their functions for plants and humans.