Abstract
Biofertilizers, such as arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) and seaweed extract (SWE), have been effective in environmental and agricultural ecosystems. In this study, the effects of AMF, SWE, and their co-application were assayed on the growth and antioxidant potential of lettuce plants. The experiment was conducted as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with two factors and four replications under greenhouse conditions. The first factor was AMF (Glomus mosseae) at two levels consisting of AMF application (20 g pot−1), and without using AMF; and the second factor was SWE foliar spraying (Ascophyllum nodosum) at 0.5, 1.5 and 3 g L−1 concentration. The results revealed that the highest root colonization (85%) belonged to AMF and SWE (3 g L−1) × AMF; the lowest colonization rate (65%) was observed for AMF × SWE (0.5 g L−1) treatment. The highest growth parameters (leaf number, shoot and root fresh weight, head diameter), biochemical traits (total soluble proteins, carbohydrates content) and TAA, total antioxidant activity by FRAP method and ascorbic acid, total phenolics, and flavonoids content were obtained with the co-applications. Therefore, the best results of the evaluated traits were achieved with AMF × SWE (3 g L−1). The TAA value was increased three-fold compared to the control. Total phenolics and flavonoids content were 2.24 and 6.59 times higher than the control, respectively. On the other hand, leaf dry weight was decreased with the further growth of the plants. Overall, the co-application of AMF with SWE can be recommended to producers as an alternative and environment-friendly strategy to improve the qualitative and quantitative traits of the lettuce crop.
Highlights
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) belongs to the Asteraceae family and is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds [1]
The results showed that root colonization percentage was significantly affected by the treatments (Figure 2)
The highest number of leaves and head diameter were obtained by applying arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) × seaweed extract (SWE) at concentrations of 1.5 and 3 g L−1
Summary
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) belongs to the Asteraceae family and is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds [1]. In 2019, lettuce production reached 29,134,653 tons in the world from which about 547,590 tons were produced in Iran [2]. Considering the important and valuable nutritional role of lettuce due to its daily consumption and, on the other hand, the excessive application of chemical fertilizers with negative impacts on human health and the environment; there is an effort to find alternative methods for reducing the chemical fertilizers input in lettuce production areas. The use of chemical fertilizers is widespread throughout the world, leading to soil degradation and environmental pollution. It is important to pay attention to the biological and integrated systems, especially biofertilizers, to meet the plant nutritional requirements and reduce the consumption of chemical fertilizers [3]. The use of bio-fertilizers has advantages such as removing toxic substances and improving the physicochemical properties of soil [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
