The monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) Vincristine and Vinblastine are medicinally important anti-tumor chemotherapy drugs derived from Catharanthus roseus metabolites, but the production of these alkaloids is difficult due to low levels in plant tissue and cost-prohibitive extraction methods. Cultivation of C. roseus in controlled environment systems could allow for increased production of desirable metabolites. There currently is a lack of knowledge concerning hydroponic and controlled environment production of C. roseus for alkaloid production. In two separate experiments, C. roseus was grown in deep water culture hydroponics (DWC) to determine its suitability for hydroponic cultivation and the effect of applying the plant hormones jasmonic and salicylic acids on MIA levels. In experiment 1, two cultivars, ‘Sunstorm Mix’ and ‘Cora Mix’, were cultivated under greenhouse conditions in DWC with two substrates, rockwool (Grodan AO 36/40) or 75% peat: 25% coir ( Jiffy Preforma *HP* DJ) and two fertilizer solution concentrations [150 or 300 mg/L N using a 15N-2.2P-12.4K water-soluble fertilizer (Jack’s Professional® LX 15-5-15 Cal-Mag LX)]. Shoot and root fresh and dry weight (SFW, SDW, RFW, RDW), leaf chlorophyll (CCI) and anthocyanin content (ACI), and total alkaloids (TA) were analyzed. The most favorable combination for many plant growth parameters measured was ‘Sunstorm Mix’ with Jiffy at 150 mg/L N, showing higher SFW, SDW, RFW, and RDW compared to other combinations. In experiment 2, ‘Sunstorm Apricot’ was cultivated under greenhouse conditions in DWC with the same75% peat: 25% coir using a modified Sonneveld solution at 150 mg/L N. Jasmonic and salicylic acids were applied at three rates and at two time points [34 and 41 days after transplant (DAT)]. Two sets of leaf samples were collected at 6,12,18 and 24 hours after application (HAA) and analyzed for the MIAs Vincristine and Vinblastine. Plants were destructively harvested 47 DAT for measurement of growth parameters FSW, FRW, DSW, and DRW. Together, these experiments assisted in improving the crop production for alkaloid use in healthcare and other applications.
