This plant communication apparatus was first used by Gagliano et al (2013) for chilli plants (Capsicum annuum, Solanaceae) for discrimination of adult conspecific and a fennel plants despite blocking of common signaling through the apparatus

This experimental set-up prevents above and below ground contact as well as chemical and light-mediated signals normally exchange by plants. The apparatus can be used to search for alternative signaling modalities or control specific signaling

Chilli seeds are classically arranged in a circle around the adult plant sealed the central cylindrical box. Seeds and adult plants in each unit are housed within 2 different sized square boxes, one inside the other, with the air in between the two boxes removed using a vacuum pump (not included)

The unit is made with colorless cast acrylic material (Moden Glas), which transmits 92% of visible light, but is opaque to ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths

Two different sized square boxes are placed inside the other, with the air in between the two boxes removed using a pump to create a vacuum and thus avoid interference between adjacent experimental units at any time