A cultivar-specific programme for aroma, light, nutrient formulation and mechanical stimulation, centred on Italian Large Leaf basil.
Why basil first
Basil fits the device geometry, has a relatively short cycle, is used directly in premium hospitality and has published hydroponic evidence linking controlled light to aroma volatiles and mechanical treatment to sensory/metabolic response.
FlavoRotor starting condition
| Variable | Initial protocol decision | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Cultivar | Italian Large Leaf | matches |
| pH target | 5.9; operational band 5.8–6.0 | maintained pH 5.9; used pH 6.0 |
| EC | record the EC produced by the defined elemental recipe; do not invent an aroma EC optimum | / specify nutrient conditions; supplies separate cultivar-specific EC evidence |
| EC screening after baseline | 0.9, 1.2 and 1.5 mS/cm with one fixed stock formulation | centres the screening around hydroponic basil range |
| Light baseline | measured spectrum, PPFD, DLI and 16 h photoperiod initially | FlavoRotor baseline; all values measured before trial |
| Rotation | single measured baseline schedule; no rotation claim during first repeatability cycles | engineering isolation |
BAS-LGT-001 — spectral treatment
Use matched DLI and environmental conditions while changing a predefined spectral component. Primary outcome: selected volatile compounds by GC–MS. Secondary outcomes: fresh/dry mass, colour and blinded aroma discrimination. provides the literature anchor, not the expected FlavoRotor result.
BAS-MEC-001 — rotation/mechanical treatment
Compare rotating and matched static controls after engineering light and root-zone equivalence has been demonstrated. Primary outcome: a predefined volatile or sensory descriptor; secondary outcomes: morphology and biomass.
BAS-NUT-001 — nutrient formulation
Use complete elemental formulations and tissue analysis. Do not alter one stock bottle and label the response “potassium sweetness”. Cultivar, total ionic strength and nitrogen form remain explicit.