Hydroponics Feedback

[epicdwarf]

Alright, here it is! The write-up!

Blow up the gene manipulation machine. That's right! Get rid of it! This is Hydroponics, not Botanical Genetics! In its stead, since we now have hydroponic trays proper, let not the trick of plant mutation lie in gene manipulation, but instead with watering/feeding plants with the crap found around the station.

As it is right now, the only plant (that I know of that is proven) that takes another source of liquid is living crystal, which takes welding fuel respectively. Why not extend this concept to other plants and allow botanists to seize the station for different chemicals and additives in order to force plant mutations?

Let's take exploding tomatoes as an example. If a hypothetical botanist wanted to try and get a mutation out of their average crop, they would have to use flammable and explosive compounds in order to force it, whether it be thermite, napalm, welding fuel or otherwise. On the flip-side, however, feeding a plant such dangerous chemicals would have an adverse effect on the plant, causing it to yield no crops or to simply wither and die.

However! There is a solution! Given that you're trying to get a plant to take in a dangerous food source, there should be a non-GMU means of increasing plant endurance. Napalm as fertilizer? Balance it out with a fertilizer that guards against root rot.

(I'll contribute more, but Hydroponics should depend more on the stuff FED to the plant rather than clicking away at two menu screens. It'd give the botanists a reason to bum-rush the vending machines and another to yell at Chemistry for their stock.)

This is such a good idea!